Introduction to Mapping for Assessors

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1-M, Introduction to Mapping for Assessors # 001-805

PTAX 1-M R-01/2017

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Printed by the authority of the State of Illinois. PTAX-1M (R-01/17) PO# 2170365 - 45 copies

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Table of Contents Glossary……………………………………………………………………….……….Page Where to Get Assistance………………………………………….………………….Page

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Unit 1: Basic Types and Uses of Maps……………………………….………..…..Page 11 . Unit 2: Math for Mapping………………………………………………………….…Page 27 Unit 3: The US Rectangular Land Survey…………………………….…………...Page 39 Unit 4: Legal Descriptions…………………………………………………….……..Page 53 Unit 5: Metes and Bounds Legal Descriptions………………………………….…Page 71 Unit 6: Principles for Assigning Property Index Numbers…………………….….Page 99 Unit 7: GIS and Mapping…………………………………………………………….Page 121 Exam Preparation……………………………………………………………………..Page 130 Answer Key…………………………………………………………………………….Page 131

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Glossary Aerial Photograph - Any photograph taken from the air. Aerial Mosaic - An assembly of aerial photographs to form a continuous photographic representation of a portion of the earth's surface. Backsight- Surveying sight taken backward; a sight or reading taken by a surveyor back toward a position from which a previous sight has been made. Base Line, Sectionalized Land - Base line is a parallel of latitude, or approximately a parallel of latitude, running through an arbitrary point chosen as the starting point for all sectionalized land within a given area. Bearing - Direction of a line measured as the acute angle from a reference meridian usually expressed in the form "S 30o E" or "N 58o W". Boundary - A line that marks the outermost extent of an area, or a subdivision between areas. Cadastral map - A map that shows the size, shape and extent of each land parcel in a prescribed geographical area, for purposes of describing and recording ownership. Call – Specific directions to a point. Cartography - The science and art of making maps. Chain - A land surveyor's measure – 66 feet, or 100 links. Commencing - Informative term of beginning and/or origin. Degree - One/360th of the circumference of a circle. Description - The exact location of a piece of property stated in terms of lot, block, and tract, or by metes and bounds. Geodetic Coordinate – Marks a specific point on the earth’s surface. Geographic Information System (GIS) – A system developed for spatial analysis needs, such as planning, natural resources, and land records management. Grantee - One to whom a grant is made (buyer). Grantor - The person by whom a grant is made (seller). 4

Index Maps - (1) A map of smaller scale on which are depicted the location (with accompanying designations) of specific data, such as larger-scale topographic quadrangles or geodetic control. (2) A map showing the location and numbers of flight strips and photographs, made by assembling individual photographs into their proper relative positions and copying the assembly photographically at a reduced scale. Lambert Grid – An informal designation for state coordinate system based on a Lambert conformal map projection with two standard parallels. Latitude - Angular arc distance north or south of the Equator along a meridian of longitude. Latitude lines are horizontal circles around the Earth and measure degrees north or south of the Equator. Line - Boundary, course, or extension between points; may consist of straight or curvilinear segments. Link - Linear measurement equivalent to 7.92 inches or .66 feet. A chain is made up of 100 links. Longitude - Angular arc distance east or west of the Prime Meridian along a parallel of latitude. Vertical circles around the Earth measuring degrees east or west. Map - A representation (usually on a flat medium) of all or a portion of the earth, showing the relative size and position of features to some given scale or projection. A map may emphasize, generalize, or omit the representation of certain features to satisfy specific requirements. Maps are frequently categorized and referred to according to the type of information which they are designed primarily to convey, to distinguish them from maps of other types. Map projection - Involves the transformation of a 3-dimensional form into a 2dimensional plane; they record the curved surface of the Earth on a flat display. They may be cylindrical, conical or planar. This is the field of cartography. Meridian Line - A meridian line is any line running due north and south. Since meridian lines converge at the North Pole, no two meridians are parallel. Practically within the limits of a property survey, all lines shown as north or south are considered parallel. Metes and Bounds - Precise description of the boundary lines of parcel of land. Not described by reference to a lot or block shown on a map, but described by starting at a known point and describing the bearings and distances of the lines forming the boundaries of the property.

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Monuments - Monuments are tangible landmarks indicating boundaries. 1. Physical Monument - A physical monument is an existing feature such as a stone or stake but not the line of an adjoining property. 2. Natural Monuments - A natural monument is a naturally occurring object such as a lake, river, tree, boulder, or hill. 3. Artificial Monument - An artificial monument is a man-made object such as a stake, fence, set stone, etc. 4. Record Monument – A record monument is an adjoining property called for in a deed such as a street or a particular parcel of land. 5. Legal Monument - A legal monument is any monument referenced in a legal description for the purposes of identifying property. More or Less - The words "more or less" in their ordinary use are to be taken as words of caution, denoting some uncertainty in the mind of one using them and a desire not to misrepresent. When used in connection with quantity and distance, "more or less" are words of safety and precaution, intended merely to cover some slight or unimportant inaccuracy. Natural Boundary - Any existing boundary that can be readily identified and located, e.g., the boundary line of an adjacent parcel of land, a river boundary, ditch, wall, bluff, etc. Courses and distances, as a general rule, give way to a call for a natural boundary, because a natural boundary, if fixed, is unchangeable, and more likely to be the true call than courses and distances. Parallel Lines - Lines extending in the same direction and at the same distance apart at every point so as never to meet. Parcel - In land ownership mapping for assessment purposes, a parcel is usually held to be a tract of land under one identical ownership. It may be a combination of two or more tracts acquired by separate deeds. Patent - A document granting right to land. Planimetric map - A map representing only the 2-dimensional, horizontal position of features measured on plane surfaces. Plat Map - Usually a survey drawing of an individual parcel of land showing special characteristics and the locations of any buildings thereon. Point - "Point" in a boundary is the extremity of a line; spatial location without defined dimensions. Point of Beginning (POB) - The reference point at the beginning location of a surveyed piece of land.

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Point of Commencement (POC) - A remote established point from which the true point of beginning can be identified. Pole (or rod) – A unit of measure equal to 16.5 feet. Four poles make up a chain. Political Township - Township units set up by government agencies. They can be changed at any time and do not necessarily correspond with congressional township boundaries. Prime Meridian (Principal Meridian) - Zero Longitude at Greenwich, England. It is the line from which all other lines of longitude are measured. This includes the line that runs 180° away from Greenwich also known as the International Date Line. Property Index Number (PIN) - A series of groupings of numbers that describe the geographic location and use of a specific tax parcel. Public Lands Surveys, or Public Land Survey System (PLSS) - In general, the survey of Federal or State lands or the lands of any other public body. The term, however, is commonly used to designate the cadastral survey of the public lands of the U.S.; originally the Government Land Office (G.L.O.) surveys; the present surveys executed by the Bureau of Land Management (B.L.M.). Synonymous with rectangular surveys of the U.S. lands; or the rectangular survey system. Quarter Section - A 160 acre block of land, 1/4 of a section. Range - A vertical column of townships in the rectangular survey system. Rod (or pole) - A surveyor's lineal measure of 16.5 feet, or 1/4 of a chain. Scale - Relative ratio of map to ground distances. Section - A one mile square block of land containing 640 acres, or one thirty-sixth of a township. Section Number - These are numbers assigned to the one mile square units within a survey township. A standard survey township will contain 36 sections. Standard Parallels - Standard parallels, or correction lines, are parallels of latitude at intervals of 24 miles north or south of the base line. State Plane Coordinate Systems - The plane-rectangular coordinate system established by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, one for each State in the Union, for use in defining positions of geodetic stations in terms of planerectangular (X and Y) Coordinates. Each state is covered by one or more zones, over each of which is placed a grid upon a conformal map projection. 7

Subdivision - A tract of land divided, by means of a map, into lots, or lots and blocks, for the purpose of resale, generally for residential or agricultural purposes. Survey - The act or operation of making measurements for determining the relative position of points, on, above, or beneath the earth's surface; also, the results of such operations. Photogrammetric survey - A method of surveying that uses either ground photographs or aerial photographs. Aerial survey - A survey using aerial photographs. Ground survey - A survey made by ground methods. A ground survey may or may not include the use of photographs. Tax Map - A picture of one or more parcels of land showing the boundaries of subdivisions of land, with the length thereof, and the areas of individual tracts for the purpose of describing and recording ownership. It is a graphical representation on a flat surface of some portion of the earth's surface. It shows the relative size and position of the land with respect to the other properties, roads, highways and major topographic features relating to the value and use of the land. Topographic map - A map which represents the horizontal and vertical positions of the land features; distinguished from a planimetric map by the addition of relief in measureable form. Township (congressional township) - Township is a nearly square area of land containing 36 sections. Traverse - A method of surveying in which a sequence of lengths and directions of lines between points are measured. U.S. Rectangular Land Survey (Government Survey) - In 1785 the U.S. Congress authorized the first land survey of the United States. It specified that this survey should divide the land into portions approximately 6 miles square. These portions are referred to as townships. The townships are surveyed from an east-west base line and from north-south principal meridians. Townships are laid off from the base lines and meridians. To identify the townships, each is given an identification in which it was referred to by its relation to the base line and meridian. Horizontal tiers of townships are laid off north and south from the base line and numbered consecutively. Vertical columns of townships, called ranges, are laid off to the east and west of the principal meridians and numbered accordingly. The townships can be identified by listing the township tier number and the range number, such as Township 2 North, Range 2 West. Each township is usually divided into 36 sections, each approximately one mile square and containing approximately 640 acres. This may vary considerably at rivers or where base lines or meridians converge, etc., but generally holds true.

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Where to get Assistance Web Links   

Property Tax Division: tax.illinois.gov/LocalGovernment/PropertyTax Property Tax Code (35ILCS 200): ilga.gov Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board: ptab.illinois.gov/

Publications 

PTAX-1004 The Illinois Property Tax System tax.illinois.gov/Publications/LocalGovernment/PTAX1004.pdf

Education Contact email 

[email protected]

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King Edgar’s Thumb and Charlemagne’s Foot Our measurement system, which has been evolving since the time of the Egyptians, came to us by the way of the English. Here, according to National Geographic, is how some of the measuring units began. (Note: You will not be responsible for the following nine definitions on your exam.) Barleycorn – The length of a grain of barley. Three barleycorns equal one inch. Inch –

The width across the knuckle on King Edgar’s thumb, or 3 barleycorns.

Foot –

The length of Charlemagne’s foot, modified in 1305 to be 36 barleycorns laid end to end.

Cubit –

The length of the arm from elbow to fingertip.

Yard –

The reach of King Henry I’s nose to his fingertips, a distance twice as long as a cubit.

Fathom –

The span of a seaman’s outstretched arms; 880 fathoms make a mile.

Furlong –

The length of a furrow a team of oxen could plow before resting

Mile –

1,000 double steps of a Roman legionary. Later Queen Bess added more feet so a mile would equal 8 furlongs.

Acre –

The amount of land a yoke of oxen could plow in one day.

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Unit 1 Basic Types and Uses of Maps The purpose of this unit is to provide a basic understanding of the different types of maps and what they are used for. Emphasis will be placed on maps that county officials will commonly work with.

Learning Objectives After completing the assigned readings, you should be able to • • •

identify the different types of maps. locate sources for maps. understand the limitations of maps.

Terms and Concepts Aerial Photograph Boundary Cadastral Maps Index Map Map Plat Map Tax Map Topographic Maps

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Basic Maps It has been said that “a picture is worth a thousand words”. If that is true, then a map is worth a thousand pictures. A map can illustrate a vast amount of information, and that information can be very helpful to an assessor. The basic functions of maps are to provide: • • •

Location - where it is. Identification - what it is. Inventory - how is it categorized.

Maps are usually smaller representations of larger areas. To accurately describe the difference in size, a map scale is often used. The scale of the map is the linear measurement on the map described as a ratio to the actual linear physical area of the subject (the Earth, for instance). Sometimes the measuring tool itself is called a scale, vs. a ruler or straight-edge, because the tool has multiple scales indicated on the tool itself, for instance 1:100, 1:200, 1:400, 1:500, 1:600 or even 1:660. So, a map with a scale of 1” to100’ means that each 1-inch segment on the map is equal to 100 feet on the ground. This measurement can be abbreviated as 1:100 or 1”=100’ or 1 inch = 100 ft. One must pay particular attention to map scale when trying to measure distances.

Types of Maps Topographic Maps are usually constructed on a planimetric base, which is a base representing only the 2-dimensional, horizontal positions of features measured on a plane surface, but are distinguished by the fact that changes in elevation (relief) are shown. It represents the horizontal and vertical positions of the land features. Topographic maps have historically been created by the US Geological Survey (USGS) and are typically available online or from the library. Relief, or elevation changes, are represented by contour lines denoting the ground elevation as measured from mean sea level, usually in ten foot increments. The following map is a topographic map of a part of Jo Daviess County in northwest Illinois.

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The curvy lines represent changing areas of elevation as measured above sea level. A county and township overlay have been applied here. As you can see, different elevations are indicated throughout the map. Notice the 660’ indicated by the arrow. It lies next to the Galena River. The 800’ indicated indicates a much higher elevation. The highest elevation in Illinois is in Northwest Illinois in the Driftless area. It is located at Charles Mound, and the elevation is 1,235 feet above sea level. The lowest elevation is at the southernmost city of Illinois at Cairo, with an elevation of 315 feet above sea level.

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Photographic maps are prepared directly on an aerial photographic base. The information stored varies widely with the use of overlays. The base photo may be black & white, color, or infrared; the size and scale variations are virtually limitless. Photographic maps are generally used for a large-scale small-area coverage. This means that an aerial photograph typically represents a small portion of a county rather than an entire county. An aerial photograph is any photograph taken from the air. These photographs can be used to create an aerial mosaic. An aerial mosaic is an assembly of aerial photographs which form a continuous photographic representation of a portion of the earth’s surface. It is somewhat similar to a patchwork quilt in which pieces of fabric are pieced together to form a quilt.

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Highway maps are prepared on virtually every kind of base, but do not generally have highly accurate photographic or planimetric characteristics and are available mostly in small-scale, wide-area formats. These maps are typically made available through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and illustrate all publicly funded road ways (federal, state, county, or township).

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Boundary Maps are usually prepared in combination with one of the previously mentioned types; the key feature being that some type of boundary information is provided. By definition, a boundary is “a line that marks the outermost extent of an area”. Examples of boundary maps include maps used for zoning, voting districts, or taxing districts. Most maps used in the assessment process would be of this type. Illinois District 4

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Other types of maps used by the assessor include the: • Plat map - shows property boundaries and ownership. • Taxing district map - shows the boundaries of taxing districts. • Cadastral map - shows the size, shape and extent of each land parcel in a specific geographic area for purposes of describing and recording ownership. Assessment Maps Besides the plat, taxing district, and cadastral maps used by the assessor, maps may be known by a variety of names. They may be used interchangeably. The more commonly used terms are: • • • • •

appraisal map. assessment map. cadastral map. property map. tax map.

An assessment map has been defined as "a graphic representation of a portion of the Earth's surface, containing graphic descriptions of parcels of land indicating their size and position in relation to other geographic features." Assessment maps should be updated annually. Note: This is not a substitute for a legal survey. Because a parcel portrayed on a map is the graphic representation of a legal description, the assessment map system must accomplish the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

locate all parcels. identify legal owner. delineate boundaries. inventory improvements. provide administrative data. provide for convenient updating and corrections. provide for easy reproduction.

Maps should be prepared and maintained in such a manner as to give them utility to other offices or agencies. Considering the property tax cycle, assessment maps should be updated at least annually to reflect property changes. The larger the number of users, the more easily justified is the acquisition and maintenance costs of the mapping system.

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Aerial Base Tax Maps A base tax map is prepared using aerial photographs specifically created under controlled conditions. The aerial photographs clearly show all geographical features such as streets, roads, lakes, streams, railroad, and utility lines and provide a visual picture of all property in a jurisdiction. Points of reference (control points) on the ground will have been prominently marked so as to provide checkpoints on the photography. This photography is used as the foundation for preparing base maps and the features shown will assist with the plotting of parcels. These base maps are the base from which the final tax map is prepared. The aerial photographs should be taken either in early spring or late fall when foliage will not obstruct the view. There are several types of aerial photographs. Listed below are a few examples. An Aerial Photographic Enlargement is nothing more than a “blown-up” photograph. Neither tilt nor relief displacement are re moved for these photographs. Some newer GIS programs provide oblique 45 degree views that can be used for assessing.

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A Rectified Aerial Photograph is one in which distortions causes by tilt (the direction the wings are banked) and yaw (the direction the nose is pointed) of the airplane have been removed. The objective is to project the image back to its correct shape and scale. Although relief displacement is not removed from rectified photographs, this type of photography provides acceptable accuracy for assessment mapping in areas of relatively flat terrain.

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An Ortho-photograph is an aerial or satellite image that has the accuracy of a map drawn from ground survey information because tilt and relief displacement have been eliminated. Measurements of a land surveyor on the ground should "fit" when plotted on a true-to-scale ortho-photograph. Distances and area calculations on orthophotographs are usually extremely accurate, and property lines will correspond closely to physical features.

Recommended map scales for aerial photographs are: 1”= 100’ for urban maps (1 inch on the map is equal to 100 feet on the ground). 1”= 400’ for rural maps (1 inch on the map is equal to 400 feet on the ground).

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Other examples of Ortho-photographs

Dewitt County

LaSalle County

DuPage County 21

Soil Survey Maps A soil survey describes the characteristics of the soils in a given area, classifies the soils according to a standard system, plots the boundaries of the soil types on a map, and makes predictions about the behavior of soils. The different uses of the soils and how the response of management affects them are considered. Soil surveys were first authorized in the United States in 1896. By the end of the nineteenth century the knowledge about soils that had been gained from farming, agricultural chemistry, biology, and geology grew into a unified concept of the soil itself. Starting with Assessment Year 2006, farmland assessment in Illinois is based on Bulletin 810 (Average Crop, Pasture, and Forestry Productivity Ratings for Illinois Soils) from the University of Illinois, College of Agriculture. Different kinds of soil have interrelated properties that define the characteristics of the soil. These different properties are used to form generalized soil boundaries that are displayed on a soil map. Modern detailed soil mapping prepared by the Illinois Cooperative Soil Survey (ICSS) is now available for every county. These maps provide a detailed inventory of soil types found in a specific area. They also indicate the slope, erosion, and soil type location. The various soil types are delineated on the soil map and are numerically coded for identification. The ICSS soil maps contain the level of accuracy needed to ensure that soil productivity indexes are accurate. In order to be eligible for a farmland assessment, property must have been solely used as a farm for the prior two years and not be part of a primarily residential parcel. Further, all land use assignments for the property must be in compliance with the Bureau of Census definitions and IDOR guidelines: for example, cropland, permanent pasture, other farmland, wasteland and home site acreage. To determine the value of farmland requires the combination of land use, acreage of each soil type, slope and erosion debasement factors, flood debasement factors and debasements due to drainage district assessments.

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Soil Survey Map

Soil Surveys provide the following information. Soil location - The geographic location and extent of a particular soil type. Soil type - A soil type is a group of soils having horizons similar in characteristics and arrangement in the soil profile and developed from a particular type of parent material. Slope - The inclination of the land surface from the horizontal. Percent slope is the vertical distance divided by the horizontal distance, then multiplied by 100 to change it to a percent. A = 0% - 2% B = 2% - 4% C = 4% - 7% D = 7% - 12% E = 12% - 18% F = 18% - 35%

The values represented by these letters are a general rule of thumb.

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Erosion is an estimate of the maximum average annual rate of soil erosion by wind or water that can occur over a sustained period without affecting crop productivity. The higher the value, the more susceptible the soil is to sheet and rill erosion by water. 1 = Un-eroded 2 = Moderately Eroded 3 = Severely Eroded The first set of numbers on the soil survey represent the type of soil. The letter following the number indicates the percent of slope. A number following the letter indicates the amount of erosion. A soil identified as 171 B 2 on a soil map would indicate the following. 171 = soil type (Catlin silt loam) B = a slope of 2% to 4% 2 = moderate erosion

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Unit 1 Summary A map that shows the size, shape and extent of each land parcel in a prescribed geographical area for purposes of describing and recording ownership is called a tax (assessment) map or a cadastral map. These maps should be updated annually. A map which represents the horizontal and vertical positions of the land features and shows the relief in a measureable form is a topographic map. An aerial mosaic is an assembly of aerial photographs forming a continuous photographic representation of a portion of the Earth’s surface. A soil survey provides information concerning soil type, slope, erosion and soil location information. Soil type is a group of soils having horizons similar in characteristics and arrangement in the soil profile and developed from a particular type of parent material. Maps are available in different sizes and degrees of detail. A map taken from the air is called an aerial photograph. Aerial photographs are available at different scales which affect the degree of detail provided. The recommended map scale for aerial photograph is: 1” = 100’ for urban maps and 1” = 400’ for rural maps. Assessment maps should be updated every year.

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Unit 1 Review Questions 1. Define an aerial mosaic. _________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________. 2. Define a topographic map. _______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________. 3.

Define a cadastral map. _________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________.

4.

What is the recommended scale for an urban aerial based tax map? __________________________________________

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What is the recommended scale for a rural aerial based tax map? __________________________________________

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What are the basic functions of maps? 1. _________________________________ 2. _________________________________ 3. _________________________________

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Unit 2 Math for Mapping Learning Objectives After completing the assigned readings you should be able to • • •

calculate area for a square, rectangle, or triangle. recognize older units of measurement. calculate area for complex shapes.

Terms and Concepts Chain Parcel Rod Link Acre

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Land Measurement As the value of land often depends on its area (square foot), it is essential that the utmost care be taken when calculating acreage. The area of most odd shaped tracts will have to be calculated by dividing the tract into rectangles and triangles or portions of circles. Historically, tools used by surveyors dictated the units of measure for property descriptions. Even though modern technology provides more precise measurements, there are still thousands of legal descriptions filed at county offices that use these surveyor units. 1 chain

= 66 feet or 100 links

1 link

= .66 ft. = 7.92 inches

1 rod (or pole)

= 16.5 feet (4 rods = 1 chain)

1 acre

= 43,560 square feet

1 furlong

= 660 ft.

1 barleycorn

= 1/3 inch (3 barleycorns = 1 inch)

Square/Rectangle

Area = Length x Width

If the length of a rectangle is 100 feet, and the width of the rectangle is 50, by multiplying 100 x 50, the area of the rectangle would be 5,000 square feet.

W L

Right Triangle

Area

= Base x height 2

For right triangles, calculating the area is identical to that of calculating the area of a rectangle, except the area is divided in half because a right triangle is half of a rectangle. If the base of the triangle is 75 feet and the height is 150, multiply 75 x 150, the area of a rectangle would be 11,250 square feet. Divide this area by 2 would give an area of 5,625 square feet for the right triangle.

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h B

Circle

Area = π x radius2 (Pi R Squared) [π ≈ 3.1416]

R

Note: For the purposes of this class, parcels containing portions of a circle will not be used. However, it should be noted that the area of a circle may be needed when calculating parcels located on cul-de-sacs. The radius of a circle is the distance from the center of a circle to the periphery or outside of the circle. If the radius of the circle is 25 feet, by taking 25 X 25, the radius squared = 625. Multiplying 625 by 3.1416, the area of the circle is equal to 1,963.5 square feet. Acreage Once the square footage for a parcel has been determined, the acreage can be determined by dividing the square footage of the parcel by 43,560, the number of square feet in an acre. Acreage = Square feet 43,560 The rectangle, which contained 5,000 square feet, would equal .1148 of an acre. 5,000 ÷ 43,560 = .1148 or .11 rounded The right triangle, which contained 5,625 square feet, would equal .1291 of an acre. 5,625 ÷ 43,560 = .1291 or .13 rounded The circle, which contained 1,963.5 square feet, would equal .0451 of an acre. 1,963.5 ÷ 43,560 = .0451 or .05 rounded

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Exercise 2-1 Land Measurement Compute the square footage and the acreage for the following (assume all triangles are right triangles). Note: “ch.” refers to chains, “rds.” refers to “rods”, and “lks.” refers to links. When calculating some of the parcels, it will first be necessary to convert the measurements to linear feet. Parcel shape

Measurements

1. Square

1,528 ft. x 1,528 ft.

2. Square

680 ft. each side

3. Rectangle

1,250 ft. x 1,000 ft.

4. Rectangle

125 ft. x 75 ft.

5. Square

65 ch. x 65 ch.

6. Rectangle

30 ch. x 48 ch.

7. Triangle

475 ft. x 986 ft.

8. Triangle

680 ft. x 360 ft.

9. Triangle

22 ch. x 48 ch.

10. Triangle

38 ch. x 46 ch.

11. Square

5 rds. x 5 rds.

12. Rectangle

5 rds. x 7 rds.

13. Rectangle

200 lks. x 300 lks.

Square footage

Acreage

14. Square (8 chains, 3 rods, 16 links) Note: Each side is 8 chains + 3 rods + 16 links 1 chain = 66 feet 1 link = .66 ft. (7.92 inches) 1 rod (or pole) = 16.5 feet 1 acre = 43,560 sq. ft. Acreage = Square feet 43,560 30

Measuring Irregular Parcels By breaking down parcels into series of rectangles and triangles and using the measurements provided, you would be able to calculate the area of almost any parcel. Example 1 In this example, the parcel is drawn with the outer boundary measurements provided 990 ft. 680 ft.

595 ft.

1320 ft. Step 1 Create a rectangle. A right triangle (90o) can be created (triangle A) leaving rectangle B. 990 ft.

680 ft.

595 ft.

A

B 1320 ft.

Step 2

Using the values from the parcel perimeter, calculate the additional numbers needed. In this example, the area of Rectangle B can be calculated using known values of 990 feet for the length and 595 feet for the width. Area of the rectangle = 990 feet x 595 feet = 589,050 square feet. L x W = Area

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990 ft. 589,050 SF 680 ft.

B

595 ft.

A 90º 1,320 ft. Step 3 The remaining area of the parcel is that of Right Triangle A. However, looking at the triangle, there doesn’t appear to be any usable values. This is a good opportunity to point out a very important note. The hypotenuse of the triangle (the long side, in this example the line labeled as 680 ft.) is not used in calculating the area of a triangle. The area of a right triangle is calculated by multiplying the base times the height and dividing the product by two. The hypotenuse (long side) is never used. 990 ft. 589,050 SF 680 ft.

595 ft. 595 ft.

B

A 330 ft.

90º 1,320 ft.

In this example, the base and height values must be determined from the other measurements provided. Recall that the opposite sides of a rectangle have the same measure. As a result, the height of Right Triangle A is the height of Rectangle B (595 feet). For the base of the triangle, that value can be determined from the existing values as well. From Step 2, the base of Rectangle B was 990 feet. Considering the entire length of the bottom of the parcel is 1,320 feet and knowing that Triangle A is a right triangle, then the base of Right Triangle A is 1,320 feet minus 990 feet, or 330 feet.

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Therefore, the area of Right Triangle A is: 595 ft. x 330 ft. 2

=

98,175 square feet.

Step 4 Calculate the total acreage of the parcel. By taking the square footage of Right Triangle A, which equals 98,175, and adding the square footage of Rectangle B, which equals 589,050, we arrive at a total of 687,225 SF for the parcel. By dividing the total area of the parcel (687,225 SF by 43,560 SF) we arrive at a total of 15.78 acres for the parcel. 589,050 SF + 98,175 SF = 687,225 SF = 43,560 SF

15.78 AC

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Example 2 Find the area (in square feet and acres) of the figure below.

310’ 280’

250’ 250’ 470’ First divide the figure into rectangles and right triangles.

B A C

Remember that the opposite sides of rectangles have the same measure. The base of the triangle is found by subtracting the length of the side of the rectangle from the length of the whole side.

280’ B A C 280’

190’ 470’

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470’ – 280’ = 190’

The area of rectangle A = 280’ x 250’ = 70,000 SF. The area of the triangle C can be determined with the formula for finding the area of a triangle (B x h). 2

280’ B

A 250’

250’ C 280’

190’ x 250’ = 23,750 SF 2

190’

Now the area of rectangle B can be determined again using the mathematical fact that opposite sides of a rectangle have the same measure.

250’ 310’ 280’

250’ X 310’ = 77,500 SF

280’ X 250’ = 70,000 SF

250’

250’ 280’

310’ 250’ X 190’ 2 = 23,750 SF

250’ X 310’ = 77,500 SF 250’

190’ 470’

Finally, add A + B + C =

70,000 SF + 23,750 SF + 77,500 SF= 171,250 SF

Acreage = 171,250 = 3.93 acres 43,560

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Unit 2 Summary Legal descriptions are often written using various measurements. The descriptions often describe tracts of land in various shapes. While modern surveys for legal descriptions use common terms of feet or inches, dimensions on older surveys were often given in chains, rods, or links. Also, all legal descriptions are not square. It is often necessary to convert to common units of measurement or to apply simple geometry to calculate acreage. A chain is equal to 66 feet, a rod or pole is 16.5 feet, and a link is equal to 7.92 inches or .66 feet. Convert all measurements to feet before calculating areas. Once the square footage of a parcel has been calculated, the acreage can then be determined by dividing the square footage by 43,560 square feet.

36

Unit 2 Review Questions Parcel shape

Measurements

Square footage

1. Square

1,742 ft. x 1,742 ft.

2. Rectangle

165 ft. x 95 ft.

3. Square

82 ch. x 82 ch.

4. Triangle

720 ft. x 490 ft.

5. Triangle

27 ch. x 36 ch.

6. Rectangle

9 rds. x 6 rds.

7. Rectangle

500 lks. x 38 rds.

8. Square

(6 chains, 2 rods, 23 links)

Acreage

9. Calculate the square footage and the acreage for the following parcel. Note that the figure is the same on the right side as on the left side. 225 ft.

100 ft.

125 ft.

Square footage =____________________

Acreage =___________________

37

38

Unit 3 The U.S. Rectangular Land Survey Learning Objectives After completing the assigned readings, you should be able to • • •

understand the history of the U.S. Rectangular Land Survey. define the components of survey system. locate a position using the system.

Terms and Concepts Baseline Government Survey Latitude Longitude Political Township Prime Meridian Section Section Number Township Meridian Line Quarter Section Range

39

A Little History… Historically, land was surveyed using the indiscriminate metes and bounds system. This survey system used natural land features, such as trees and streams, as well as neighboring land owners, along with distances to describe plots of land. Realizing that metes and bounds descriptions would never prove satisfactory in the largely uninhabited Northwest Territory (what is now Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin), the Continental Congress knew it had to develop a plan for the orderly sale of individual tracts to the public. In 1784, a committee headed by Thomas Jefferson developed a plan for dividing this public land into rectangles. The new system was based on a series of coordinates – meridians and base lines – plotted astronomically by surveyors. The Continental Congress established the rectangular survey system in the Land Ordinance of the 1785, also known as the Northwest Ordinance. Under terms of the Ordinance, Congress was to appoint one surveyor from each state to serve under the direction of the Geographer of the United States. The basic plan called for by Jefferson’s committee developed three theories: 1. the principal of "survey before settlement". 2. the principal of a mathematically designed plan to be followed throughout the entire public domain area. 3. the creation of a standard land unit, the section of uniform shape and area and with boundaries physically marked on the ground. On October 1, 1796, Washington appointed Rufus Putnam as the first Surveyor General of the United States. He was the author of the present numbering system and placed the excess and deficiency in the North and West tiers of the townships. The Land Act of 1796 was the first law concerning surveys. Between 1851 and 1855 the Land Act was amended several times and set the pattern for the present-day survey system. The Rectangular Survey System as we know it today is a system based on tiered townships and ranges that are tied to thirty-five established principal meridians located across the country. Boundaries for the Rectangular Survey System were usually marked by placing markers or using prominent trees as boundary markers. These boundary markers are referred to as monuments.

40

Monuments are tangible landmarks indicating boundaries. There are 5 different types of monuments. 1. A physical monument is an existing feature such as a stone or stake but not the line of an adjoining property. 2. A natural monument is a naturally occurring object such as a lake, river, tree, boulder or hill. 3. An artificial monument is a man-made object such as a stake, fence, set stone, etc. 4. A record monument is an adjoining property called for in a deed such as a street or a particular parcel of land. 5. A legal monument is any monument referenced in a legal description for the purposes of identifying property. The map below illustrates the principal meridians and baselines within the United States.

41

Illinois Meridians and Baselines

Indiana

A latitude line is an east-west circle, measuring degrees north or south of the Equator. A baseline is a parallel of latitude running through an arbitrary point chosen as the starting point for all sectionalized land descriptions within a given area.

42

A longitude line is a north-south circle measuring degrees east and west of zero longitude at Greenwich, England. A principal meridian is an arbitrary line of longitude used as a starting point and reference for all sectionalized land. In Illinois, there are two baselines and reference to three principal meridians. The most prominent meridian is the Third Principal Meridian, which virtually cuts Illinois in half. Where a baseline and principal meridian intersect is considered a reference. The reference for the Third Principal Meridian exists at the intersection of the Centralia Baseline. This baseline runs east and west through Centralia, Illinois. The Second Principal Meridian, located in Indiana, shares the Centralia Baseline for its reference. Property located in Eastern Illinois is unique. Part of it is referenced to the Third Principal Meridian, and part of it is referenced to the Western Control of the Second Principal Meridian, which is actually located in Indiana. Finally, property in Illinois west of the Illinois River or west of the Third Principal Meridian is referenced to the Fourth Principal Meridian. The reference point for the Fourth Principal Meridian is the Beardstown Baseline. The baseline runs west of Beardstown, Illinois. Once we know the meridian and the baseline for a property, we can determine the general location of any property anywhere in the country governed by the Rectangular Survey System.

Congressional Townships and Ranges Numbering of townships and ranges begins at the reference point of a principal meridian and a baseline. Township numbers increase away from the baseline using the direction from the baseline as an indicator (north or south). Range numbers increase away from a principal meridian using the direction from the principal meridian as an indicator (east or west).

43

Each township is six miles by six miles, or thirty-six square miles in size (6 miles square). The township identified with the arrow is three townships south of the baseline and two ranges east of the principal meridian.

Twp. 3S Range 2E

44

Sections A section is a one mile square block of land containing 640 acres. There are 36 sections within each township. Numbering of the sections begins in the northeast corner of the township, and progresses west then east, back and forth in a serpentine manner as illustrated by the dashed line. Any correction to the size of the township due to measuring error occurs along the western or northern side. As a result, the sections along the western and/or northern side of the township may not equal one mile square.

45

Exercise 3-1 Locating Townships and Sections

LINE

PRINCIPAL

BASE

MERIDIAN

This exercise is designed to help you more precisely pinpoint areas or tracts of land. Locate the following and place the appropriate letter in the proper location.

46

A.

Township 2 North, Range 4 East To locate this tract, count two squares (townships) up from the baseline, and four squares (ranges) to the right of the principal meridian line.

B.

Township 4 South, Range 2 West

C.

Township 3 North, Range 2 West

D.

Township 1 South, Range 3 East

E.

Section 16, Township 2 North, Range 4 West

F.

Section 1, Township 2 North, Range 4 West

G.

Section 36, Township 2 North, Range 4 West

H.

Section 26, Township 2 North, Range 4 West

Principal Meridians and Baselines Many legal descriptions pass through county offices. Sometimes a legal is written incorrectly, which makes finding the property in question very difficult. However, a simple check of the principal meridian, baseline, township and range values can quickly identify if the legal description is in your jurisdiction. For example, if you are reading a legal description for property supposedly in Rock Island County and it is referenced to the Third Principal Meridian, the legal quickly becomes suspect. So, with that in mind, review the following parcel references and determine what part of the state it is located in (for example, N, S, E, W, C, NW, NE, SW, SE, etc.). Distances are marked on the drawing.

Beardstown base line to northern border = 171 miles Centralia baseline to northern border = 276 miles Centralia baseline to southern border = 102 miles 2nd PM (in Indiana) to border of the western control = 85 miles 3rd PM to eastern border of Illinois = 85 miles 3rd PM to farthest western border of Illinois = 124 miles

47

This exercise is designed to familiarize you with the concept of baselines and principal meridians in locating property. Remember that each township/range is six miles by six miles square. In the first question, since a township is six miles by six miles, 12 S = 72 miles south of Centralia and (Range) 1 W is 6 miles west of the 3rd PM.

Exercise 3-2 Locating Townships and Ranges Find which area of the state the description is located in and the approximate miles from the reference point-use the mileage indicators on the following page. Location

48

Township Miles

Range Miles

1. T12S-R1W, 3rd PM

South or Southwest__

______

______

2. T43N-R10E, 3rd PM

___________________

______

______

3. T27N-R4E, 4th PM

___________________

______

______

4. T20N-R3W, 3rd PM

___________________

______

______

5. T2N-R11W, 2nd PM

___________________

______

______

6. T3S-R7W, 4th PM

___________________

______

______

NW

Indiana

171 Miles

NE

WC

EC

124 Miles

276 Miles

85 Miles

85 Miles

SE 102 Miles

SW

49

Unit 3 Summary Monuments are tangible landmarks that indicate boundaries. A physical monument is an existing feature such as a stone or a stake. A natural monument is an existing feature such as a lake, river, tree, boulder or hill. An artificial monument is a man-made object such as a stake, fence, set stone, etc. A monument record is a document describing the location of a monument with ties to witnessed monuments. A legal monument is any monument referenced in a legal description for the purposes of identifying property. A township is a nearly six mile square area of land containing 36 sections. A section is a one mile square block of land containing 640 acres, or one thirty-sixth of a township. A range is a vertical column of townships in the rectangular survey system. Townships measure distance north and south of a referenced baseline; ranges measure distance east and west of a referenced principal meridian. A section contains 640 acres. A chain is a land surveyor’s measure equal to 66 feet, or 100 links. A foot is equal to 12 inches. One yard is equal to 3 feet. A link is equal to 7.92 inches or .66 feet. A rod or pole is equal to 16.5 feet. Using the U.S. Rectangular Survey System, once we know the section, township, range, principal meridian, and baseline, we can locate any piece of property to within one mile.

50

Unit 3 Review Questions 1.

Sections are numbered in a ________________ fashion, beginning in the _________________ corner. There are __________ sections within a township/ range tier.

2.

Legal descriptions using the Rectangular Survey System are tied to base lines and meridians. In Illinois these descriptions are governed by the ______, _____, or ______ Principal Meridians and by the _______________________ Baseline or the __________________ Baseline.

3.

The _____Principal Meridian virtually cuts Illinois in half. The _______ Principal Meridian is located in Indiana. Both of these are tied to the _________________ Baseline. The ______ Principal Meridian is located in the northwest portion of the state, and is tied to the _________________________Baseline.

4.

A committee headed by ______________________ developed a plan for dividing public land into rectangles. This plan was the basis for the _________ Ordinance of 1785.

5.

A township is a nearly square area of land. Each township is ______ miles square and contains ________ square miles. The first township north of a baseline would be referenced as township _________.

6.

T44N – R2E, of the 3rd Principal Meridian, is located in the ________________ part of the state of Illinois.

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52

Unit 4 Legal Descriptions The purpose of this unit is to provide a detailed understanding of how real property is described. In addition, this unit will describe how to locate real property using a legal description.

Learning Objectives After completing the assigned readings you should be able to • • • •

locate real property from a legal description. calculate acreage. define the different types of legal descriptions. understand the use of “thence”, “and”, “except” and “excepting”.

Terms and Concepts Bearing Cadastral Map Commencing Degree Description Exceptions Index Map Metes and Bounds Monuments More or Less Parcel Plat Map Point of Beginning Quarter Section Range Subdivision

53

a

Legal Descriptions The goal of assessing property for ad valorem purposes is to • • •

find the property, set up a method to legally describe the property, and value the property with an appropriate unit of comparison.

A legal description is defined as a description in words judged legally sufficient to locate and identify a specific parcel. There are several methods used for legally describing property. Lots and Blocks These descriptions are often used in assessment books, typically referring to appropriate page numbers within those books. For example: • •

Lots 1 and 4 in Block 30 in the Village of Good Hope, McDonough County, Illinois. Lot 4 in Block 28 in the City of Bushnell, according to Plat #2 of said City, County of McDonough, State of Illinois.

When locating a parcel written in a lots and blocks description, it is necessary to read the description backwards to specifically locate the property. In the first example above, if we were to read the description in the order written, we would start with Lots 1 and 4. The question becomes Lots 1 and 4 where? It could be anywhere in the world. By starting at the end of the description, we know that the lots are in the State of Illinois, the County of McDonough, the Village of Good Hope, and in Block 30 of the village. Land Descriptions Land descriptions are referenced to the government surveys described in Unit 3. A strength of the rectangular survey systems is that the land has been, for the most part, divided evenly. This makes property descriptions more uniform and predictable. Under the rectangular survey system, land can be described one of three ways. When locating these parcels the descriptions are read backwards to specifically locate the property: Functional - describing property using fractions of rectangles. E 1/2, NE 1/4, Section 6, Township 3 N, Range 4 West of the 3rd Principal Meridian. Acreage - describing property using the acreage values associated with each fraction of a rectangle. West 80 acres, NE 1/4 Section 6, Township 3 North, Range 4 West of the 3rd Principal Meridian. 54

Lineal - describing property using the perimeter measurement of each fraction of a rectangle. The East 400' of the Southeast Quarter of Section 7, Township 2 South, Range 1 East of the 3rd Principal Meridian. The diagram on page 44 illustrates how an individual section of the rectangular survey system can be dissected using land descriptions in order to describe property. The diagram shows section divisions and land measurements. A section is simply a large square that is one mile from east to west and one mile from north to south. The large square, or section, can be divided into four equal parts creating the Northeast Quarter, the Northwest Quarter, the Southeast Quarter and the Southwest Quarter of the entire section. Considering an entire section is 640 acres, by dividing the section by four (quartering the section) each quarter section is 160 acres (640 ÷ 4 = 160). Therefore, if a property is described as the NW ¼ section, the total acreage of that property is 160 acres. Property can be further divided into a quarter-quarter section. If the property is described as the NW ¼ of the NW ¼, the section has been quartered twice (640 ÷ 4 = 160 ÷ 4 = 40); the property contains 40 acres. This division by one-fourth can continue to a quarter-quarter-quarter which would contain 10 acres, and a quarter-quarterquarter-quarter containing 2.5 acres. Tracts smaller than 2.5 acres are generally described using the metes and bounds description. Property can be dissected using any combination of fractional portions. For example, a single parcel can be the equivalent of one half of a section, or 320 acres. The half section can be the north half, the south half, the east half, or the west half. Metes and Bounds Metes and bounds are used to describe the perimeter of property. When locating a parcel written in a metes and bounds description, it is necessary to read the first part of the land description portion backward to locate the point of beginning. Once the point of beginning is determined, the metes and bounds portion of the description is read in the order written. For example: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Northwest Quarter of Section 4, Township 7 North, Range 8 East of the 3rd Principal Meridian, thence North 50 feet to the point of beginning; thence West 550 feet; thence North 400 feet; thence East 550 feet; thence South 400 feet to the point of beginning. In locating this property, we would first locate the 3rd Principal Meridian, and its governing Centralia Baseline. We would then find Range 8 East and Township 7 North. 55

Within that Township and Range we would locate Section 4. We would then locate the Northwest Quarter of that Section 4, and finally the Southeast corner of the Northwest Quarter. The Southeast corner is the point of beginning for our metes and bounds description. We would then read the metes and bounds description in the order written to determine the property boundary lines. By starting at the Southeast corner and going North 50 feet to the point of beginning; thence West 550 feet; thence North 400 feet; thence East 550 feet; thence South 400 feet to the point of beginning, we would have the exact location and boundary lines for our parcel.

Little Words Have Big Meanings And, Also, and the Semi-colon (;) When reading legal descriptions, little words have big meanings. If a fractional description reads “NE ¼ of the NE ¼ and SE ¼ of the NE ¼, the “and” functions as a plus sign. You add the two descriptions together. Also and the semi-colon (;) function as and as well. The “and” can also be found in linear and acreage legal descriptions. “The E 160 acres and the N 80 acres of Section 16.” “The SW ¼ of the SW ¼ and the S 40 acres of the NW ¼ of the SW ¼”. “The NE ¼ NE ¼; NW ¼ NE ¼ also N 120 acres of the SW ¼ and SE ¼ of the NE ¼.” Except and Excepting When found in a legal description, the words “except” or “excepting” act as a minus sign. The description appears before the word except and the part of the description that follows is removed or excluded from the description. “Except” is often used when a portion of a larger property is sold and it provides a quick way to modify an existing legal description as well. “Section 16, Township 4S, Range 2 E of the 3rd Principal Meridian, except the SW ¼ or the SW ¼”. Thence The formal definition is “from a place or source previously mentioned, especially when you are giving directions about how to get somewhere”. Thence is often used is legal descriptions to indicate travel from a previous point along a prescribed path. “Commencing at the SE corner of the SE corner, thence N 70 degrees West 660 feet to the point of beginning…”. 56

Section Divisions and Land Measurement 20 Chains

20 Chains

40 Chains

W ½ NW ¼

E ½ NW ¼

NE ¼

80 Acres

80 Acres

160 Acres

1320 Feet

1320 Feet

NW ¼ SW ¼

NE ¼ SW ¼

40 Acres

40 Acres

2640 Feet

N ½ NW ¼ SE ¼

SW ¼ SW ¼

SE ¼ SW ¼

40 Acres

40 Acres

80 Rods

= = = = =

1 Acre

=

E½ NE ¼ SE ¼

20 Acres

20 Acres

5 Acres

5

5

Ac

Ac

S ½ NW ¼ SE ¼ 20 Acres

1 Link 1 Rod 1 Chain 1 Furlong 1 Mile

W½ NE ¼ SE ¼

440 Yards

7.92 inches = .66 feet 16.5 feet 66 feet = 4 rods 660 feet = 40 rods = 1,000 links 8 furlongs = 320 rods = 80 chains = 5280 feet 43,560 square feet

NW ¼ SW ¼ SE ¼ 10 Acres SW ¼ SW ¼ SE ¼

NE ¼ SW ¼ SE ¼ 10 Acres

SE ¼ SW ¼ SE ¼ 10 Acres 10 Acres

5 Acres 2½ Ac

660 Ft.

1 section = 640 acres 1/4 section = 160 acres 1/4 1/4 section = 40 acres 1/4 1/4 1/4 section = 10 acres 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/4 section = 2.5 acres 5,280 ft. = 1 mile 2,640 ft. = 1/2 mile 1,320 ft. = 1/4 mile 660 ft. = 1/8 mile 57

Locating Legal Descriptions by the Fractional Method When locating legal descriptions that are fractional (NE ¼ of the NW ¼ of the SE ¼), begin with the whole 640 acres of the section. Go to the end of the legal description for the last part of the section. In this example the last part mention is “SE ¼.” Divide the section into 4 equal parts (since the SE ¼ is described). Each part is 160 acres (640 acres in a section divided by 4). Now locate the SE ¼ on the grid.

SE ¼ = 640 acres ÷ 4 = 160 acres

Next, find the NW ¼ of this SE ¼.

NW ¼ of the SE ¼ = 160 acres (SE ¼) ÷ 4 = 40 acres

Now locate the NE ¼ of the NW ¼ of the SE ¼.

NE ¼ of the NW ¼ of the SE ¼ = 40 acres ÷ 4 = 10 acres

58

Exercise 4-1 Identify these parcels on the grid provided by shading in the appropriate parts on the grid. 1. SE ¼ of SE ¼ ____________ acres

4. E ½ of NW ¼ and NW ¼ of NW ¼ ____________ acres

2. S ½ of NW ¼ ____________ acres

5. SW ¼ of SE ¼ of SW ¼ ____________ acres

3. N ½ of NE ¼ of SE ¼ ____________ acres

6. NE ¼ of NW ¼ of SW ¼ __________ acres

59

Locating Legal Descriptions by Acreage When locating legal descriptions that are by acreage (W 10 acres of the NW ¼ of the SE ¼), begin with the whole 640 acres of the section. Locate the NW ¼ of the SE ¼ as in the previous example.

West 10 acres of the NW ¼ of the SE ¼

The NW ¼ of the SE ¼ contains 40 acres. 640 acres ÷ 4 ÷ 4 = 40 acres. The legal description calls for the west 10 acres of this. These 10 acres will be on the west side of the 40 acres. S 40 acres of NW ¼

N 20 acres of SW 1/4

E 120 acres of NE ¼

Off and Off Of Sometimes you will see “off” and “off of” in a legal description. If you read “165 ft. off of the N. side of Section 14”, you would begin at the north side of Section 14 and determine the distance to 165 ft. south of the northern border of Section 14. That would be the boundary line across the entire section.

60

Exercise 4-2 Locate the following parcels on the grid for Section 30, Township 12 South, Range 1 East, 3rd PM. 1. The E 80 acres of the N 320 acres. 2. The N 40 acres of the E 80 acres of the NW ¼. 3. The N 40 acres of the SW ¼. 4. The S 80 acres of the SW ¼. 5. The E 20 acres of the NW ¼ of the NW ¼. 6. The S 5 acres of the SW ¼ of the SW ¼ of the SE ¼. 7. The NE 10 acres of the NW ¼ of the SE ¼. When locating legal descriptions that are described by linear measurement (E10 chains off of the NW ¼ of the SE ¼), begin with the whole 640 acres of the section. Step 1: Locate the NW ¼ of the SE ¼ as in the previous example.

NW ¼ of the SE ¼ which is 40 acres

61

Each square on this grid is 330’ by 330’. Each square is 2 ½ acres 1 chain = 66 feet; 10 chains = 660 feet.

Step 2: Since the legal calls for the east 10 chains, locate the east side. Step 3: Make a horizontal line from the NE corner, of the part that has already been identified, west 10 chains (660 feet). Step 4: Make a horizontal line from the SE corner, of the part that has already been identified, west 10 chains (660 feet).

Step 3: NE corner of NW ¼ of the SE ¼

Step 2: East side

10 chains

Step 5: Connect endpoints Step 4: SE corner of NW ¼ of the SE ¼

62

Step 5: Connect the endpoints of the lines representing the 10 chains to make a rectangle.

Exercise 4-3 Using lineal land measurement description methods, please locate the following parcels on the grid that follows, for Section 32, Township 12 South, Range 2 West, 3rd PM. 1. The N 10 chains of the NW ¼. 2. The W 330 ft. of the SW ¼ of the SE ¼. 3. 82.5 ft. off of the S side of the NW ¼. 4. The East 330 ft. of the E ½ of the NW ¼ of the NE ¼.

63

Section 32 Grid Map

Using the fractional land measure description method, the total acreage of a single legal description can be determined, even if the legal contains several different parcels. In a legal description, the appearance of the words “and” or “also” and the semicolon punctuation mark “;” all mean “in addition to”. If these key words or the semicolon appears, simply calculate the acreage for each parcel and then add the parcels together to determine the total acreage of the property described. In #1 below, the legal description has been written to highlight that there are multiple parcels. Refer to the diagram below if you need assistance. This exercise is designed to familiarize you with the concept of baselines and principal meridians in locating property

64

Exercise 4-4 Calculate the acreage for the following. 1.

The Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter 10 ; and the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter 10 ; and the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter 10 ; and the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter 10 . 40

acres (Note: each ¼ ¼ ¼ = 10 acres x 4 = 40 acres in the entire parcel).

2.

The East One-half of the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter; and the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter; and the North One-half of the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter. __________ acres

3.

The South One-half of the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter; and the South One-half of the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter; and the South One-half of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter; and the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter; and the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter; and the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter. __________ acres

4.

The Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter; and the North One-half of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter; and the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter. __________ acres

5.

The Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; and the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; and the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter. __________ acres

6.

The Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; and the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; and the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; and the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter. __________ acres

65

1 section = 640 acres 1/4 section = 60 acres 1/4 1/4 section = 40 acres 1/4 1/4 1/4 section = 10 acres 1/4 1/4 1/4 1/4 section = 2.5 acres 5,280 ft. = 1 mile 2,640 ft. = 1/2 mile 1,320 ft. = ¼ mile 660 ft. = 1/8 mile

66

Unit 4 Summary Legal descriptions describe the boundary and location of property. These descriptions can be • • •

lots and blocks descriptions, land descriptions (which can be either fractional, acreage, or lineal), or metes and bounds descriptions, or a combination of these.

When reading a legal description for purposes of locating property, read all legal descriptions not written in metes and bounds backwards.

67

Unit 4 Review Questions 1. Locate the following on the following Section grid and calculate the acreage for each.

68

A. The NW ¼

D. 82.5 ft. off of the E side of the NE ¼

B. The SE ¼ of the SE ¼

E. The E 40 acres of the W 80 ac. of the NE ¼

C. The S 165 ft. of the SW ¼

F. The North 10 chains of the SE ¼

2. Calculate the acreage for the following. a. The Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter = ________ acres. b. The SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 = ______ acres. c. The East 1/2 of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter = ______ acres. 3. To locate a parcel using a metes and bounds description, first read the land description portion of the legal description _____________, and then read the metes and bounds portion of the description in the _______________ written. 4. Read all legal descriptions not written in metes and bounds ________________. 5. Write the legal description and calculate acreage below each section map: A.

C.

acres B.

acres D.

acres

acres 69

70

Unit 5 Metes and Bounds Legal Descriptions Learning Objectives After completing the assigned readings you should be able to • • •

draw parcels from a metes and bounds legal description. understand map scale. use a land measure compass.

Terms and Concepts Backsight Bearing Commencing Degree Line Metes and Bounds Monuments Point Point of Beginning (POB) Scale Traverse

71

Introducing Your Tools For the drawing portions of this course, training and directions will be given based on the assumption that the tools identified below, or something similar, are being used. Drawing legal descriptions can, however, be accomplished with other tools, such as protractors and rulers. These other tools may be purchased through local vendors. The following drawing tools will be supplied for you for the exam, or you may use your own drawing tools. Land Measure Compass

The land measure compass is designed to draw metes and bounds legal descriptions. Drafting Triangle The drafting triangle is a typical right angle triangle except that it includes helpful information. Right triangles are needed to keep parcel drawings square. In addition, the triangle helps identify which angles are right angles.

72

Drafting Scale

Drafting scales come in various forms and various divisions. Depending on the size of the parcel and the size of the paper, different scales can be used. For example, if a parcel is to be drawn on a sheet of paper that is 8 ½ x 11, and the longest line of the parcel is 1,320 feet, a scale of 1”=100’ could not be used because that would result in the longest line being 13.2 inches long. Therefore, it is important to review the legal description and determine the size of the map before selecting the scale at which the map will be drawn.

Using your Tools How to Convert Distances to Map Scale As described above, it is important to understand map scale. You must convert property line distances on the ground into the map scale on your paper to represent the line appropriately on the map. Use a mathematical conversion in which you Divide the Legal Description Measurement by the Map Scale. For instance, if the paper to map scale is 1” = 100’, 1 inch on the map equals 100 feet on the ground. Example: Travel west for 595 feet on a map with a scale of 1” = 100’ 595 ÷ 100 = 5.95 This means that your 595 feet long line on a map with a map scale of 1” = 100’, will equal a line 5.95 inches long. This method is also necessary when the map scale is different than the map scale of your legal description. For example, historic maps were drawn at a scale of 1” = 660’. The only way to draw legal description measurements on a map is with a ruler or scale. So, using the conversion method above: 595 ft. ÷ 660 = .90 inches This line on a map with a scale of 1” = 660” will be slightly less than an inch long.

73

Exercise 5-1 Map Scale Conversions Map Scale

Ground Distance

Length of Line on Map

1. 1:100

330 ft.

________________

2. 1:400

2,640 ft.

________________

3. 1:600

5,280 ft.

________________

4. 1:660

5,280 ft.

________________

5. ________

1,320 ft.

6. 1:200

675 ft.

2 inches ________________

Metes and Bounds Descriptions As discussed in the previous chapter, metes and bounds descriptions are used to describe the perimeter of property. Beginning at a point (located using the rectangular survey system), metes and bounds descriptions are read forwards, traversing from point to point until the entire property has been circumscribed, returning at the point of beginning (POB). In metes and bounds descriptions “commencing”, “beginning at”, and “point of beginning” are all terms used to describe the starting point for the metes and bounds description. Within a metes and bounds descriptions, the bearings and distances of each traverse are listed. A Bearing is the direction of a line measured as the acute angle from a reference meridian. A Traverse is the length (distance) and direction (bearing) of a line drawn between two points. An Acute Angle is an angle less than 90°. Therefore, in a metes and bounds description, a typical traverse could look something like: North 45° West, for 595 feet. Using the land measure compass, starting at North 0°, move 45° counter-clockwise, which is west. This would be the bearing. The distance from Point A to Point B in this example is 595 feet. A traverse includes a bearing and a distance.

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Land Compass Bearings Line up your land compass on the following diagram. The north and south arrows should indicate 0°. The east and west arrows should indicate 90°. If a legal description calls for a line North 45° West, you would first start with the North 0° point on your compass, then move along the compass to the west (your left), until you reach 45°. Your bearing would be the line of the arrow marked NW. If a legal description calls for a line South 45° East, you would first start with the South 0° point on your compass. Then move along the compass to the east (your right) until you reach 45°. Your point would be the line of the arrow marked SE. This would be your bearing.

N

NW

NE

W

E SE

SW

S

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Drawing Legal Descriptions Here is a practice example in drawing a metes and bounds legal description. Follow along by tracing over the diagram on page 81 using the legal description accompanying the drawing. Step 1: Place the land measure compass on top of the point of beginning (POB) so that the center hole of the compass is directly over the POB and North (N) is up. Line up one of the red vertical lines with the left-hand edge of the paper to first orient the compass or use the two adjacent sides that make up the right angle of the triangle to orient the compass.

Point of Beginning

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Step 2: Reading the first measurement of the legal description, (N 80° E, 350’), make a mark on the paper at N 80° E. There is a notch on the movable arm on the compass to fit your pen or pencil in to make a dot.

N 80° E bearing

Step 3: Remove the land measure compass, and using a drafting scale (your ruler), place the “0” on the POB, and line up the scale with the mark made at the N 80° E bearing. Then draw a line that represents 350’. With a map scale of 1”=100’, that would be a line that is 3.5 inches long (to Point A). This line may be longer or shorter than the location of the dot you made at the end of the moveable arm on your compass. The mark you made at N 80° E only gives the direction (bearing) of the line. The drafting scale shows the length of the line.

Point of Beginning

Step 4: It is recommended that each line should be labeled with both bearings and distances (traverse) as it is drawn, so that if a problem is discovered the information from the legal description is right there on the drawing.

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Step 5: Place the land measure compass on top of Point A, ready for the next measurement in the legal description. At this point, it is important to be sure that the land measure compass is oriented on the page the same way as it was when beginning the drawing. Otherwise, even a small twist in the compass could have dramatic effects. To avoid this problem, backsighting is used. A backsight is defined as “reading taken by a surveyor back toward a position from which a previous sight has been made”. On the land measure compass, the backsight is the opposite of the bearing previously used. Since the previous bearing was N 80° E, the backsight is S 80° W. So, orienting the land measure compass on the map with the center over Point A, and the line drawn matching up with S 80o W indicates that the compass is now sitting on the page the same way as when the drawing began. Without moving the land measure compass, make a mark on the map using the second bearing (S 45° E). This time look at due South. Make the mark that is 45° East (counter-clockwise) of South.

Backsight of N 80° E is S 80° W Point of Beginning

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Step 6: Remove the land measure compass, and using a drafting scale, place the “0” mark on Point A, and line up the scale with the mark made at the S 45°E bearing. Then draw a line that represents 250’. With a map scale of 1”=100’, that would be a line that is 2.5 inches long (to Point B).

Point of Beginning

Beginning at a point, thence N 80° E, 350’; thence S 45° E 250’; thence S 60° W 300’; thence N 45° W, 375’ to the point of beginning.

Step 7: Place the land measure compass on top of Point B. Backsight the previous line to be sure the compass is oriented correctly. The previous bearing was S 45°E, therefore the backsight is N 45°W. Turn the land measure compass until the last line drawn lines up with N 45°W. Step 8: Without moving the land measure compass, make a mark on the map using the third bearing (S 60°W). Back sight of S 45° E is N 45° W

Point of Beginning

S 60° W 300’

Steps 7 and 8

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Step 9: Remove the land measure compass, and using a drafting scale, place the “300” on Point B, and line up the scale with the mark made at the S 60° W bearing. Then draw a line that represents 300’. With a map scale of 1”=100’, that would be a line that is 3.0 inches long (to Point C).

Beginning at a point, thence N 80° E, 350’; thence S 45° E 250’; thence S 60° W 300’; thence N 45° W, 375’ to the point of beginning.

Back sight of S 45° E is N 45° W

Point of Beginning

Step 10: Place the land measure compass on top of Point C. Backsight the previous line to be sure the compass is oriented correctly. The previous bearing was S 60° W, therefore the backsight is N 60° E. Turn the land measure compass until the last line drawn lines up with N 60° E.

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Point of Beginning

Back sight of S 60° W is N 60° E

Step 11: Without moving the land measure compass, from Point C, mark a line on the map using the fourth and final bearing (N 45° W). Step 12: Remove the land measure compass, and using a drafting scale, place the “375” on Point C, and line up the scale with the mark made at the N 45° W bearing. Then draw a line that represents 375’. With a map scale of 1”=100’, that would be a line that is 3.75 inches long back to the POB. (Note: if this final line does not connect with the point of beginning, check the accuracy of each bearing and line length).

81

Back sight of S 60° W is N 60° E

Point of Beginning

82

Beginning at a point, thence N 80° E, 350’; thence S 45° E 250’; thence S 60° W 300’; thence N 45° W, 375’ to the point of beginning.

Beginning at a point, thence N 80° 350’; thence S 45° E 250’; thence S 60° W 300’; thence N 45° W, 375’ to the point of beginning.

Point A

º Point of Beginning

Point B

Point C

For additional practice, draw a large dot on another sheet of paper at the same spot on the page as your POB on this drawing. Use the legal description above to make a copy. The copy should fit exactly on top of the drawing above. Other drawings will be accomplished on the following pages.

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Exercise 5-2 Drawing Legal Descriptions Using a scale of 1" = 100 feet, draw the following legal descriptions. The dot represents the point of beginning for each description. 1.

Beginning at a point, thence N 80°E, 400'; thence S 30°E, 300'; thence S 80°W, 300'; thence N 46°W, 350', to the point of beginning.

Place your compass on the dot below and orient the compass so that North is straight up. Beginning from the North on the compass, find the mark on the compass that is 46º to the West of North and mark this place on the paper. Now place your drafting scale on the dot below and line it up with the mark that you just made. Draw a line from the dot along the ruler 4.0” (400 feet ÷ 100 feet = 4.0”) Next, backsight in order to orient the compass. Place the compass on the end of the line you just drew. Orient the compass so that the line you just drew is at the place on the compass that has a bearing of ____ 46° _____. Continue with the traverses. You should end up at the point of beginning.



84

2.

Beginning at a point, thence N 82°E, 450'; thence S 10°W, 200'; thence S 82°W, 250'; thence N 43°W, 230' to the point of beginning.

85

3.

86

Beginning at a point, thence S 77°E, 500' to a point; thence S 40°W, 250' to a point; thence N 65°W, 250' to a point; thence N 29°W, 220' to the point of beginning.

4.

Beginning at a point, thence S 78°E, 425’ to a point; thence S 15°E, 100’ to a point; thence S 85°W, 550’ to a point; thence N 25°E, 260’ to the point of beginning.

87

Turn Your Paper Sideways for this Exercise 5.

88

Beginning at a point, thence N 23°E, 175’ to a point; thence N 68°E, 350’ to a point; thence N 88°E, 150’ to a point; thence S 32°E, 250’ to a point; thence S 53° W, 150’ to a point; thence N 67°W, 150’ to a point; thence S 83°W, 420’ to the point of beginning.

Exercise 5-3 Legal Descriptions with Exceptions Draw the following on the next page and determine the acreage remaining. 1.

A part of the Southwest Quarter of Section 12, and a part of the Southeast Quarter of Section 11, Township 11 South, Range 2 West of the 3rd P.M., more particularly described as follows, to wit: Beginning at the Northwest corner of the Southwest Quarter of Section 12, thence East 550 feet to a point, thence South 75 feet, thence West 50 feet, thence South 125 feet, thence West 100 feet, thence South 25 feet; thence West 25 feet, thence North 50 feet, thence West 25 feet, thence South 75 feet, thence West 100 feet, thence South 50 feet, thence West 150 feet, thence North 50 feet, thence West 100 feet, thence North 175 feet, thence West 50 feet, thence North 50 feet, thence East 50 feet, thence North 25 feet to the point of beginning. Excepting there from the following parcel of land: Commencing at the Northwest corner of the Southwest Quarter of Section 12 Township 11 South, Range 2 West of the 3rd P.M., thence East 200 feet to the point of beginning, thence South 50 feet, thence East 125 feet, thence North 50 feet, thence West 125 feet, containing _______ acres. The parcel herein conveyed containing _______ acres, more or less.

Note: The acreage of the parcel conveyed will be equal to the acreage in the original parcel, minus the acreage in the exception. First draw the entire parcel and then draw the exception.

89

Exercise 5-3 Drawing

90

Exercise 5-4: Fractional and lineal measurements combined 1.

All the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 20; also 30 acres off the North end of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 29, except 5 acres off the West end; and 10 acres off the South end of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of said Section 29, all in Township 15 North, Range 7 East of the Third Principal Meridian. EXCEPT that part of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 20 as described as follows: Beginning at the Southwest corner of the Southeast Quarter of said Section 20, thence North 247.5 feet along the West line of the Southeast Quarter of said Section 20; thence East 440 feet; thence South 247.5 feet to a point on the South line of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of said Section 20; thence West 440 feet along said South line to the point of beginning. FURTHER EXCEPTING that part of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 29, described as follows: Beginning at the Southeast corner of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of said Section 29; thence West 495 feet along the South line of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of said Section 29; thence North 440 feet; thence East 495 feet to a point on the East line of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of said Section 29; thence South 440 feet along said East line to the point of beginning. Total acreage of this conveyed parcel being _______ acres, more or less. Drawing on the following page.

91

Exercise 5-4 drawing Section 19

Section 30

92

Section 20

Section 29

Unit 5 Summary Various tools are of assistance when drawing metes and bounds descriptions. Since many descriptions are given in bearings and distances of each traverse listed, it is necessary to have some type of compass to measure the bearings or degree of angles. A right triangle is helpful to keep parcel drawings square as well as to identify right angles when calculating the area of a right triangle. A ruler or drafting scale is also a needed instrument to measure the distances. When drawing out legal descriptions, it is important to understand map scale. In order to convert property line distances into map scale to represent the line appropriately on the map, divide the legal description measurement by the map scale. If the paper to map scale is 1”-100’, then 1 inch on the map equals 100 feet on the ground. A bearing is the direction of a line measured as the acute angle from a reference meridian.

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Unit 5 Review Question 1 and Drawing Use the paper on the following page to complete the following. Beginning at the Northeast corner of Section 34, Township 12 South, Range 2 West, of the 3rd Principal Meridian, thence South 1,000 feet to a point, thence N 50° W 200 feet to a point, thence West 600 feet to a point, thence North 875 feet to a point, thence East 750 feet to the point of beginning. #1 EXCEPTING: Commencing at the Southwest corner of the above described parcel of land, thence East 200 feet to the point of beginning, thence North 150 feet to a point, thence West 100 feet to a point, thence North 200 feet to a point, thence East 175 feet to a point, thence South 350 feet to a point, thence West 75 feet to the point of beginning, containing acres, more or less. #2 FURTHER EXCEPTING: Beginning at the Southwest corner of the original parcel, thence North 350 feet to a point, thence East 100 feet to a point, thence South 200 feet to a point, thence East 100 feet to a point, thence South 150 feet to a point, thence West 200 feet to the point of beginning, containing acres, more or less. #3 FURTHER EXCEPTING: Beginning at the Southeast corner of the original parcel, thence North 50° W 200 feet to a point, thence West 50 feet to a point, thence North 175 feet to a point, thence East 200 feet to a point, thence South 300 feet to the point of beginning, containing acres, more or less. #4 FURTHER EXCEPTING: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the original parcel, thence South 525 feet to the point of beginning, thence South 175 feet to a point, thence West 200 feet to a point, thence South 175 feet to a point, thence West 275 to a point, thence North 350 feet to a point, thence East 475 feet to the point of beginning, containing acres, more or less. #5 FURTHER EXCEPTING: Beginning at the Northwest corner of the original parcel, thence East 300 feet to a point, thence South 300 feet to a point, thence S 53° W 375 feet to a point, thence North 525 feet to the point of beginning, containing acres, more or less. #6 FURTHER EXCEPTING: Commencing at the Northwest corner of the original parcel, thence East 300 feet to the point of beginning, thence East 450 feet to a point, thence South 300 feet, thence West 450 feet, thence North 300 feet to the point of beginning, Containing acres more or less. The herein conveyed parcel containing

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acres, more or less.

Unit 5 Review Question 1 Drawing

Section 34

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Unit 5, Review Question 2 and Drawing 2. Conversion- Draw the following legal description and calculate acreage. Use your 1:200 scale and draw on the following page. Turn page horizontally. Beginning at the Northwest corner of the Southwest Quarter of Section 12, Township 8 North, Range 3 West of the Third Principal Meridian; thence East 2 Furlongs; thence South 6 rods; thence East 2 chains, 1 rod; thence South 26 degrees East 990 feet, thence West 2 furlongs, 34 rods; thence North 1000 feet to the point of beginning, containing ___________ acres, more or less.

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Unit 5 Review Question 2 Drawing

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Unit 5 Review Question 3 and Drawing 3.

Please draw and compute the acreage for the Harper parcel. Use the Scale 1” = 100’ and complete your drawing below. Beginning at the SW corner of the SE ¼ of the NE ¼ of Section 27, Township 12 South, Range 2 West of the 3rd PM, thence N 275 feet to a white pine tree, thence East 38 feet to a stone, thence S 50 feet to a fence post at the corner of the Brown farm, thence E 200 feet to a maple tree 2 inches in diameter, thence S 28º E 250 feet to a Wahoo, thence W 350 feet to the point of beginning, containing _______ acres, more or less.

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Unit 6 Assigning a Property Index Number (PIN) Learning Objectives After completing the assigned readings you should be able to • • •

locate real property using a PIN. create a PIN. follow a series of property sales.

Terms and Concepts Description Section Parcel Section Number Property Index Number (PIN) Subdivision Range Township

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The Property Index Number A Property Index Number (PIN) is another form of a legal description. This is due to the fact that, just like a written legal description, a PIN identifies one specific parcel. If a parcel splits, the description of the original and new parcel changes. Therefore the PIN must also change. There are principles for assigning PIN numbers. When used consistently throughout the county, finding a parcel based on a PIN is equivalent to using a written legal description. When assigning PINs, these principles apply: 1.

A change of ownership without any change in property boundaries does not necessitate a new parcel number. As long as the boundary of the property does not change, like a written legal description, the PIN does not change either.

2.

Parcel splits require the original number to be retired. The original owner (grantor) would be assigned the next available number, and the new owner (grantee) would be assigned the next number after that assignment.

3.

Once a parcel number is placed on the assessment roll, it becomes a legal description. Consequently, as stated above, when the boundaries of a parcel are changed, the resulting parcel must have a new number assigned to denote the new legal description.

4.

Block numbers are assigned according to the lowest numbered block in which a person owns property. (Block numbers will be discussed in the following pages.)

5.

A PIN is a 14-character series of numbers that describe the geographic location and use of a specific tax parcel. No two parcels share the same PIN. Example

07 – 32 – 203 – 021 – 0040

07 = County Township Number 32 = Township Section Number 203 = Block Number 021 = Parcel Number 0040 = Use or Unit Number

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County Township Number Derivation The County Township Number is assigned by overlaying the government survey townships over the county. Beginning in the northwest government survey

1

5

2

6

3

4

7

8

9

12 10

11

13

14

15

township of the county, and progressing west to east, then north to south each township is assigned a number. Note: These numbers do not correspond to the numbers of the congressional township or ranges (i.e. T12N or R 3E) that we discussed in Unit 3. No matter how small an area of the county in the government survey township, it receives a number. Additionally, the government survey townships do not necessarily correspond to the political townships created with the county. In this example, there are 15 County Townships. Referring to the example PIN, the County Township is number “07” as highlighted above. The first and second digits in the property index number indicate the county township in which the parcel is located.

County Township

07

00

000

000

0000

101

Section Number Derivation

Section Number

07

32

000

000

0000

The numbering of sections begins in the northeast corner of the township, and progresses west then east, back and forth in a serpentine manner. Referring back to the example PIN on page 102, Section “32” is indicated. The third and fourth digits in the property index number indicate the section in which the parcel is located.

102

Block Number Derivation

Block Number

07

32

203

000

000

The Block Number refers to the quarter section within the section. The numbering of the blocks begins in the northwest quarter of the section, and progresses west to east, north to south. As illustrated above, property in the northwest quarter of the section would receive a block number between 100 and 199; the northeast quarter 200 to 299; the southwest quarter 300 to 399 and the southeast quarter 400 to 499. The specific number is dependent upon any subdivisions with the quarter section. The subdivision numbers are typically assigned in order of creation. However, this varies within each county. Referring back to the example PIN, Block Number “203” is indicated, meaning the northeast quarter. The 5th, 6th and 7th digits of the property index number indicate the block (in the quarter section) in which the parcel is located.

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Parcel Number Derivation

Parcel Number

07

32

203

021

0000

The Parcel Number is unique to the property within a Block. Typically, Parcel Numbers are assigned in the order of creation. Referring back to the example PIN on page 102, Parcel Number “021” is indicated. The 8th, 9th and 10th digits of the property index number indicate the particular legal description within the quarter section in which the parcel is located.

104

Unit Number Derivation

Unit Number

07

32

203

021

0040

The Unit or Use Number refers to the taxable use of the property, or in the case of condominiums, the unit number. Referring back to the example PIN above, the Use Number “0040” is indicated. The “0040” refers to a residential parcel, with a dwelling. The 11th, 12th, 13th and 14th digits of the property index number indicate the use of the property. Common Use/Unit numbers: 0010 Rural property improved with buildings. Not assessed under the Farm Bill. 0011 Rural property improved with buildings. Assessed under the Farm Bill. 0020 Rural property not improved with buildings. Not assessed under the Farm Bill 0021 Rural property not improved with buildings. Assessed under the Farm Bill 0030 Residential vacant land 0040 Residential with dwelling 0050 Commercial residence – 6 units or more 0060 Commercial business 0070 Commercial office 0080 Industrial 0090 Miscellaneous The PIN number has 14 digits. The first 10 digits refer to the geographical location and the last 4 digits refer to the use of the property.

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Exercise 6-1 The goal of this exercise is to understand how to identify the correct PIN for parcels that are created when portions of the original parcel are sold. For this exercise, the original parcel is the entire section (640 acres). The County Township Number shall be ‘01’. Using the map (grid) of Section 26 provided on page 109, identify the PINs for the following real estate transactions. Section 26 is the Rectangular Land Survey section number while the “01” in the PIN refers to the first township in the NW corner of the county. As the transactions are completed, it is recommended that the areas of Section 26 are shaded in to assist with tracking the property associated with the original PIN. The use for the property will be “0021” designating “farmland.” Transaction "A": Grantor: Thomas and Judy Bates Grantee: Richard and Rebecca Heart Date: November 25, 1984 Legal Description: Section 26, Twp. 4S, Range 3 West, 3rd PM (640 acres) (A)

01-________________________________ (Heart Tract)

Transaction "B": Grantor: Richard and Rebecca Heart Grantee: Thomas Johnson Date: April 17, 1989 Legal Description: The SW ¼ of Section 26, Twp. 4S, Range 3W, 3rd PM (160 acres) 01-____________________________________ (Heart Tract) (B)

01-____________________________________ (Johnson Tract)

Transaction "C": Grantor: Richard and Rebecca Heart Grantee: Christopher Freeman Date: February 7, 1990 Legal Description: The NE 1/4 of the NE 1/4 of Section 26, Twp. 4S. Range 3 West, 3rd PM (40 acres) 01-____________________________________ (Heart Tract) (C) 106

01-____________________________________ (Freeman Tract)

Transaction "D": Grantor: Richard and Rebecca Heart Grantee: John and Mary Carter Date: March 4, 1990 Legal Description: The NW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 26, Twp. 4S, Range 3 West, 3rd PM (40 acres) 01-____________________________________ (Heart Tract) (D)

01-____________________________________ (Carter Tract)

Transaction "E": Grantor: Richard and Rebecca Heart Grantee: Thomas Jones Date: April 1, 1990 Legal Description: The SW 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 26, Twp. 4S Range 3 West, 3rd PM (40 Acres) 01-____________________________________ (Heart Tract) (E)

01-____________________________________ (Jones Tract)

Transaction "F": Grantor: Richard and Rebecca Heart Grantee: Mike and Christine Weber Date: June 1, 1991 Legal Description: The NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 and the SE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 26, Twp. 4S., Range 3 West, 3rd PM (80 acres) 01-____________________________________ (Heart Tract) (F)

01-____________________________________ (Weber Tract)

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108

Exercise 6-1 Drawing Section 26, Township 4S, Range 3W of the 3rd Principal Meridian

109

110

Exercise 6-2 This exercise combines the methods used to draw a metes and bounds legal description, and those used to assign property index numbers. On the map provided on page 113, identify the PINs for the following real estate transactions and calculate the acreage for each. For the purposes of the exercise, the county township number has been provided. Note: The map scale is 1” = 660’. Remember to convert the measurements in each of the legal descriptions (1” = 660’; ½” = 330’; ¼” = 165’) Note: The township numbers that are the first 2 digits of the PIN numbers are township numbers within the county and not tied in to the geographic township numbers in the legal description. Real Estate: Transaction "A" Deed Record: 102, page 470 Grantor: Charles Freeman Grantee: Christopher and Rebecca Freeman Date: May 9, 1988 Legal Description: The Northeast Quarter; and the Northwest Quarter; and the Southeast Quarter; and the Southwest Quarter. Being all of Section 36, Township 12 South, Range 1 East of the Third Principal Meridian. Containing _______ acres, more or less. PIN:

07-______________________________ (Freeman Tract)

Real Estate: Deed Record: Grantor: Grantee: Date:

Transaction "B" 108, page 669 Christopher and Rebecca Freeman Richard Lee Heart February 14, 1989

Legal Description: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 36, Township 12 South, Range 1 East of the Third Principal Meridian, thence South 165 feet to the south side of County Highway 12; thence East 1,320 feet along the south side of County Highway 12 to the point of beginning; thence South 561 feet to a point; thence East 462 feet to a point; thence North 561 feet to a point; thence West 462 feet along the south side of County Highway 12 to the point of beginning. Containing _______ acres, more or less.

111

PIN

07-___________________________________ (Freeman Tract)

PIN

07-__________________________________ (Heart Tract)

Real Estate: Deed Record: Grantor: Grantee: Date:

Transaction "C" 110, page 238 Christopher and Rebecca Freeman Thomas Johnson May 12, 1989

Legal Description: Commencing at the Southeast corner of Section 36, Township 12 South, Range 1 East of the Third Principal Meridian, thence North 132 feet to a point; thence West 1254 feet down the centerline of County Highway 14 to the point of beginning; thence North 660 feet to a point; thence West 1375 feet to a point, thence South 660 feet to a point; thence East 1375 feet to the point of beginning. Containing _______ acres, more or less. PIN

07-_______________________________ (Freeman Tract)

PIN

07-______________________________ (Johnson Tract)

Real Estate: Deed Record: Grantor: Grantee: Date:

Transaction "D" 150, page 222 Christopher and Rebecca Freeman Richard and Delores Kirby November 25, 1989

Legal Description: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 36, Township 12 South, Range 1 East of the Third Principal Meridian, thence South 165 feet to the point of beginning on the south side of County Highway 12. Thence South 1254 feet to a point; thence East 1320 feet to a point; thence North 198 feet to a point; thence East 330 feet to a point; thence North 495 feet to a point; thence West 330 feet to a point; thence North 561 feet to a point; thence West 1320 feet along the south side of County Highway 12 to the point of beginning. Containing _______ acres, more or less. PIN

07-_____________________________ (Freeman Tract)

PIN

07-_______________________________ (Kirby Tract)

How many acres remain in the Freeman tract? _____________ Acres. 112

Exercise 6-2: Scale 1” = 660’ (Turn to landscape orientation)

113

114

Unit 6 Summary There are principles for assigning PIN numbers. When used consistently throughout the county, finding a parcel based on a PIN is equivalent to using a written legal description. When assigning PINs, these principles apply: 1.

A change of ownership without any change in property boundaries does not necessitate a new parcel number.

2.

As long as the boundary of the property does not change, like a written legal description, the PIN does not change either.

3.

Parcel splits require the original number to be retired. The original owner (grantor) would be assigned the next available number, and the new owner (grantee) would be assigned the next number after that assignment.

4.

Once a parcel number is placed on the assessment roll, it becomes a legal description. Consequently, as stated above, when the boundaries of a parcel are changed, the resulting parcel must have a new number assigned to denote the new legal description.

5.

Block numbers are assigned according to the lowest numbered block in which a person owns property.

6.

A PIN is a 14-character series of numbers that describe the geographic location and use of a specific tax parcel. No two parcels share the same PIN.

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Unit 6 Review Questions On the section map provided on page 119, identify the PINs for the following real estate transactions and calculate the acreage for each. For the purposes of this exercise, the township number has been provided. Real Estate Transaction "A" Deed Record 104, page 570 Grantor: Larry L. Davis Grantee: Patrick D. and Rebecca J. Joseph Date: May 9, 1988 Legal Description: The Northeast Quarter; and the Northwest Quarter; and the Southeast Quarter; and the Southwest Quarter being all of Section 36, Township 6 South, Range 1 East of the Third Principal Meridian. Containing _______ acres, more or less.

PIN:

08-__________________ (Joseph tract)

Real Estate Transaction "B" Deed Record 108, page 669 Grantor: Patrick D. and Rebecca J. Joseph Grantee: James Harris Date: February 14, 1989 Legal Description: The South 1320’ of the entire NW 1/4, Section 36, Township 6 South, Range 1 East of the Third Principal Meridian. Containing _______ acres, more or less PIN:

08-_____________________________ (Joseph tract)

PIN:

08-_____________________________ (Harris tract)

Real Estate Transaction "C" Deed Record 110, page 238 Grantor: Patrick D. and Rebecca J. Joseph Grantee: Thomas Davis Date: May 12, 1989 Legal Description: Beginning at the Southwest corner of Section 36, Township 6 South, Range 1 East of the Third Principal Meridian, thence North 2640’ to a point, thence East 2640’ to a point, thence South 2640’ to a point, thence West 2640’ to the point of beginning. Containing _______ acres, more or less.

116

PIN:

08-_____________________________ (Joseph tract)

PIN:

08-_____________________________ (Davis tract)

Real Estate Transaction "D" Book 150, page 222 Grantor: Patrick D. and Rebecca J. Joseph Grantee: Richard Charles Date: May 25, 1989 Legal Description: Beginning at the Northwest corner of Section 36, Township 6 South, Range 1 East of the Third Principal Meridian, thence South 1320’ to a point; thence East 1320’ to a point; thence North 1,320’ to a point; thence West 1320’ to the point of beginning. Also the NE 1/4 of the NW 1/4 of Section 36. Containing _______ acres, more or less. PIN:

08-_____________________________ (Joseph tract)

PIN:

08-_____________________________ (Charles tract)

Real Estate Transaction "E" Deed Record 310, page 339 Grantor: Patrick D. and Rebecca J. Joseph Grantee: Gary Hardy Date: November 25, 1989 Legal Description: South 1/2 of the West 1/2 of the SW 1/4 of the SE ¼ of Section 36. Containing _______ acres, more or less. PIN:

08-_____________________________ (Joseph tract)

PIN:

08-_____________________________ (Hardy tract)

How many acres remain in the Joseph parcel? ______________________ acres.

117

118

Unit 6 Review Question Section 36, Township 6 South, Range 1 East of the Third Principal Meridian

119

120

Unit 7 GIS and Mapping This unit covers the use of GIS in mapping and assessing property. The purpose of this unit is to provide an understanding of how computers and a GIS are used in modern mapping.

Learning Objectives After completing the assigned readings you should be able to • • •

explain the benefits of using computerized data. define GIS. understand the uses of a GIS.

Terms and Concepts Geographic Information System (GIS) Global Positioning System (GPS)

121

Computerized Mapping Digital technology is one of the greatest enhancements for mapping in recent history. Some advantages of using computers in a modern mapping program are speed, precision, flexibility, productivity, display capabilities, storage and retrieval efficiencies, and improved correction of errors and omissions. Another notable advantage is ease of providing updates, and elimination of shrinkage or quality deterioration of base material (transparency and paper) over time. Benefits of computerized data vs hard copy data • • • • • • •

easy to share takes less space preserves information inventories information analyzes information organizes information displays information

Geographic Information System (GIS) Just as we now use GIS in our cars and on our phones, the property tax assessor can use GIS as another tool to provide fair and equitable property tax assessments. GIS was developed for spatial analysis needs such as planning, natural resources, and land records management. It offers the ability to integrate spatial data (map layers) and attribute data (information from a database) among different layers, which makes it ideal for multi-purpose users. Each layer in the GIS can be compared to a single map overlay. For example, planimetric features such as bodies of water, soil types, geologic structure, land use, zoning, political boundaries, utilities, sewers, topography, property lines, and others can be overlaid. Especially noteworthy are the GIS systems that can provide past and present polygon changes (outline of a home or property) to help detect new improvements or previously undetected improvements.

122

The photo on the left is 1 year old. The GIS flagged this photo on the right as a property that may have changed. The new polygon overlay indicates a large addition to the structure. Previous

Current

Previous

Current

Looks like a new pool and patio as well as a second story addition…

123

Data and Mapping Systems GIS Vector data appear on the map as a specific type of shape which can either be a point, line or polygon (area). Each map layer is a collection of these points, lines or polygons. Each feature (a single point, line or polygon) in a GIS has a geographic or “shape” component and a tabular “attribute” component. The geographic component is the visual part that appears on the map and is tied to a location on the earth. The attribute component contains a record of information such as name, parcel identification number, block number and parcel address. The tabular component supports relationships with other tables by using traditional database linked key fields. However, a GIS “geodatabase” supports spatial, or location, relationships as well. It is this geographic location aspect that makes GIS data appear in the correct location on the map in relation to other data. Several different types of searches and queries based on spatial relationships are also supported. It is possible to find which point features are found within a polygon feature. This might be used to determine which address locations are in a municipal boundary for example. It could also be used to find which polygon features overlap other polygon features, perhaps to determine a list of parcels contained in each district or zone.

124

Other GIS Technology Assessors have even newer and less expensive tools at their fingertips with the advent of the smart phone. Besides regular software programs that can be installed on an office PC, phone applications, or “apps”, are available for assessors, realtors, property buyers and surveyors to use on their phones. This technology can locate and draw legal descriptions. For instance, there are apps for both iPhones and android phones that can be downloaded for free or as little as five dollars that can translate the coordinates of a metes and bounds description to a closed drawing. If the user does not know actual GIS coordinates, some of these apps allow the user to bring in the coordinates to their phone while actually visiting the subject property. While IDOR does not endorse any particular product or products, some of the more popular apps currently on the market are: Apps Metes and Bounds Basic Metes and Bounds Platplotter Plotagon Plotpoints Tractplotter Earthplat

by Sandy Knoll Software, LLC thebalance.com platplotter.com plotagon.com plotpoints.com tractplotter.com earthplat.com

Software programs ESRI Quantum GIS Open source software resource Earthpoint Deedplot Deedchek Infomatik Deedpro

arcgis.com/explorer qgis.org OSGeo.org earthpoint.com deedplot.com deedchek.com infomatitik.com deedprosoftware.com

Often, these apps are used in finding errors and discrepancies in deeds and legal descriptions. Sometimes, linear measurements are incorrect, directions are wrong, and size calculation errors often occur. As use of these products increases and errors are corrected, the data quality overall will increase, hopefully making the assessors’ jobs easier.

125

GIS Benefits for Assessors, Township and County Offices If an office does not already use a GIS mapping system, use of these systems can provide many benefits by dramatically reducing time and expense of field assessments. It can also increase revenue by allowing the assessor to discover previously undetected improvements. Other benefits include • • • • • • • •

determining changes based on polygonal shape overlays. identifying changes more quickly. saving on staffing, vehicle and fuel costs. providing access to gated, uninhabited, and other hard-to-reach structures. finding new improvement quickly in areas where no permits are used or not applied for (often farms). providing a solution to restrictions against traveling between farms due to risk of spreading bacteria or disease. improving map maintenance to most current version. overlaying layers of data.

Often, costs and use can be shared with other entities, like police, fire and the public. Additionally, use of a GIS mapping system can help improve communications by • • • •

126

using images during the appeal process. easing complaint resolution at protest time. reducing confrontations from property owners when images can be discussed face-to-face. reducing time for complaint resolution by eliminating many field inspections.

Using IDOR’s GIS Assessment professionals may already have access to county GIS and mapping. But did you know that there is state-wide GIS that tracks data that is submitted regarding taxing district boundary changes? The Department of Revenue maintains data on: • • • • • • • •

Cities Counties Townships Property tax districts and codes Property tax districts in legislative districts Municipalities Enterprise zones Property tax rates and bills by location

The Bureau of Census statistics can also be visited for additional detailed studies. For more information on accessing this information, please contact us at the Illinois Department of Revenue, [email protected].

127

Unit 7 Summary GIS Vector data appear as basic points, lines, and polygons (enclosed areas) that make up the features of a map. GIS refers to geographic information system. There are many benefits to providing assessors another tool to help them make fair and equitable assessments.

128

Unit 7 Review Questions 1. Define GIS _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________. 2. What are some of the benefits of GIS for assessors? _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________. 3. Define GIS Vector data. _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________

129

Examination Information •

The exam consists of 50 multiple choice questions.

•

Each question is worth an equal number of points when the exam is graded.

•

There is only one best answer for each question on the examination.

•

Two hours are allotted for completion of the exam.

•

The exam is closed book. All class materials, papers, computers, and cellular devices must be removed from the table before taking the exam.

•

Cellular phones may not be used as calculators.

Test-Taking Strategies •

Read each question thoroughly and choose the one best answer provided.

•

Review the answer sheet for any skipped answers or multiple answers for the same question.

•

Tips for taking a multiple-choice exam: o Some test-takers prefer to answer questions that they are confident in the answers first and choose to skip over harder questions or questions that involve math calculations. If this is done, be sure to complete the correct answer on the answer sheet for the questions being answered. The answer sheets are graded by hand, so question numbers may be circled so that they can be easily identified during the second pass through the exam. o Be mindful of the time allotted. If a question is taking a lot of time to answer, move past it and come back to it at a later time. o Guessing an answer is better than leaving it blank if time becomes an issue.

130

1-M, Introduction to Mapping for Assessors Course Answer Key

131

Unit 1 Review Answers 1. Define an aerial mosaic. An assembly of aerial photographs to form a continuous photographic representation of a portion of the Earth’s surface. 2. Define a topographic map. A map which represents the horizontal and vertical position of the land features. 3. Define a cadastral map. _A map that shows the size, shape, and extent of each land parcel for purposes of describing and recording ownership. 4. What is the recommended scale for an urban aerial based tax map? 1” = 100’ 5. What is the recommended scale for a rural aerial based tax map? 1” = 400’ 6. What are the basic functions of maps? 1. Location 2. Identification 3. Inventory

132

Unit 2, Exercise 2-1 Answers Parcel shape

Measurements

1. Square

1,528 ft. x 1,528 ft.

2. Square

680 ft. each side

3. Rectangle

1,250 ft. x 1,000 ft.

4. Rectangle

125 ft. x 75 ft.

5. Square

65 ch. x 65 ch. 1 ch. = 66 ft.

6. Rectangle

Acreage

2,334,784

53.60

462,400

10.62

1,250,000

28.70

9,375

.22

18,404,100

422.50

6,272,640

144.00

234,175

5.38

122,400

2.81

2,299,968

52.80

4,290 ft. x 4,290 ft.

30 ch. x 48 ch. 1 ch. = 66 ft.

7. Triangle

Square footage

1,980 ft. x 3,168 ft.

475 ft. x 986 ft. 468,350 sq. ft. / 2

8. Triangle

680 ft. x 360 ft. 680 ft. x 360 ft. = 244,800 sq. ft. / 2

9. Triangle

22 ch. x 48 ch. 1,452 ft. x 3,168 ft. = 4,599,936 sq. ft. / 2

10. Triangle

3,807,144

38 ch. x 46 ch. 2,508 ft. x 3,036 ft. = 7,614,288 sq. ft. / 2

11. Square

12. Rectangle

5 rds. x 5 rds. 1 rd. = 16.5 ft. 5 rds. x 7 rds. 1 rd. = 16.5 ft.

87.40

6,806.25

.16

9,528.75

.22

26,136

.60

82.5 ft. x 82.5 ft.

82.5 ft. x 115.5 ft.

13. Rectangle

200 lks. x 300 lks. 1 lk. = .66 ft. 132 ft. x 198 ft.

14. Square

(8 chains, 3 rods, 16 links)

345,814.56

7.94

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Unit 2 Review Answers Parcel shape

Measurements

1. Square

1,742 ft. x 1,742 ft.

2. Rectangle

165 ft. x 95 ft.

3. Square

Square footage

Acreage

3,034,564

69.66

15,675

.36

82 ch. x 82 ch. (5412’ x 5412’)

29,289,744

672.40

4. Triangle

720 ft. x 490 ft.

176,400

4.05

5. Triangle

27 ch. x 36 ch.

2,117,016

48.60

6. Rectangle

9 rds. x 6 rds.

14,701.5

.34

7. Rectangle

500 lks. x 38 rds.

206,910

4.75

197,296

4.53

8. Square (6 chains, 2 rods, 23 links) 396 + 33 + 15.18 = 444.18 X 444.18 = 197,296

9. Calculate the square footage and the acreage for the following: Note that the figure is the same on the right side as on the left side.

225 ft. 50 ft.

134

2,500

100 ft. 12,500 sf

2,500 2,500 12,500 17,500

Square footage

50 ft.

100 ft.

2,500

125

125 ft.

17,500

Acreage

.40

Unit 3, Exercise 3-1

E

F

C H

G

MERIDIAN

Locating Townships and Sections

BASE

A LINE

B

PRINCIPAL

D

Locate the following and place the appropriate letter in the proper location: A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H.

Township 2 North, Range 4 East Township 4 South, Range 2 West Township 3 North, Range 2 West Township 1 South, Range 3 East Section 16, Township 2 North, Range 4 West Section 1, Township 2 North, Range 4 West Section 36, Township 2 North, Range 4 West Section 26, Township 2 North, Range 4 West

135

Unit 3, Exercise 3-2 Answer 3

2

4 6

5

1

Location

Township Miles

Range Miles_

7. T12S-R1W, 3rd PM

S / SW ___________________

72

6 __

8. T43N-R10E, 3rd PM

NE ___________________

258

_ 60___

NW

162

24

C

60

18

9. T27N-R4E, 4th PM 10. T20N-R3W, 3rd PM 11. T2N-R11W, 2nd PM

E / SE ___________________

12. T3S-R7W, 4th PM Note: Township size is 6 mi. x 6 mi. 136

W / WC

__12 __ 18

66___ 42

Unit 3 Review Answers 1.

Sections are numbered in a _Serpentine fashion, beginning in the NE corner. There are 36 sections within a township/ range tier.

2.

Legal descriptions using the Rectangular Survey System are tied to base lines and meridians. In Illinois these descriptions are governed by the 2nd , rd th 3 , or 4 Principal Meridian, and by the Centralia Baseline, or the Beardstown Baseline.

3.

The 3rd Principal Meridian virtually cuts Illinois in half. The 2nd Principal Meridian is located in Indiana. Both of these are tied to the Centralia Baseline. The 4th Principal Meridian is located in the northwest portion of the state, and is tied to the Beardstown Baseline.

4.

A committee headed by Thomas Jefferson developed a plan for dividing public land into rectangles. This plan was the basis for the Land Ordinance of 1785.

5.

A township is a nearly square area of land. Each township is 6 miles square and contains 36 square miles. The first township north of a baseline would be referenced as township 1 N .

6.

T44N – R2E, of the 3rd Principal Meridian, is located in the of Illinois.

N

part of the state

137

Unit 4, Exercise 4-1 Answer 1. SE ¼ of SE ¼ 40 Acres

4. E ½ of NW ¼ and NW ¼ of NW ¼ 120 Acres

2. S ½ of NW ¼ 80 Acres

5. SW ¼ of SE ¼ of SW ¼ 10 Acres

3. N ½ of NE ¼ of SE ¼ 20 Acres

6. NE ¼ of NW ¼ of SW ¼ 10 Acres

138

Unit 4, Exercise 4-2 Answer 1. The E 80 acres of the N 320 acres

1.

2. The N 40 acres of the E 80 acres of the NW ¼ 3. The N 40 acres of the SW ¼ 4. The S 80 acres of the SW ¼ 5. The E 20 acres of the NW ¼ of the NW ¼ 6. The S 5 acres of the SW ¼ of the SW ¼ of the SE ¼ 7. The NE 10 acres of the NW ¼ of the SE ¼

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

139

Unit 4, Exercise 4-3 Answers 1. The N 10 chains of the NW ¼

2. The W 330 feet of the SW ¼ of the SE ¼

3. 82.5 ft. off of the S side of the NW ¼

4. The East 330 ft. of the E ½ of the NW ¼ of the NE ¼

140

Unit 4, Exercise 4-4 Answers Please calculate the acreage for the following: 1.

The Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter 10 ; and the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter 10 ; and the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter 10 ; and the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter 10 . 40 acres

2.

The East One-half of the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter; and the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter; and the North One-half of the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter. 20 acres

3.

The South One-half of the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter; and the South One-half of the Southeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter; and the South One-half of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter; and the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter; and the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter; and the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter. 75 acres

4.

The Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter; and the North One-half of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter; and the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter. 47.5 acres

5.

The Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; and the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; and the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter. 30 acres

6.

The Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; and the Northeast Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; and the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter of the Northwest Quarter; and the Southwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter. 10 acres

141

Unit 4 Review Answers 1. Answers for questions 1 through 6 are on the section grid on the following page. A. The NW ¼ B. The SE ¼ of the SE ¼ C. The S 165 feet of the SW ¼ D. 82.5 ft. off of the E side of the NE ¼ E. The East 40 acres of the W 80 acres of the NE ¼ F. The North 10 chains of the SE ¼

2. Calculate the acreage for the following. a. The Northeast Quarter of the Northwest Quarter = b. The SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4= 10

40

acres.

acres.

c. The East 1/2 of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter=

20

3. To locate a parcel using a metes and bounds description, first read the land description portion of the legal description backwards , and then read the metes and bounds portion of the description in the order written. 4. Read all legal descriptions not written in metes and bounds

142

backwards.

acres.

D. 82.5 feet off of the E side of the NE ¼ 5 acres

A. NW ¼ 160 acres

E. E 40 acres of the W 80 acres of the NE ¼

F. N 10 chains of the SE ¼ 40 acres

B. SE ¼ SE ¼ 40 acres

C. S 165 feet of the SW ¼ 10 acres

143

5. Write the legal description and calculate acreage below each section map: A.

C.

SE ¼ NW ¼ NW ¼ 10

acres

B.

20

acres

D.

N ½ NE ¼ NE ¼ and

SE ¼ SW ¼ and the

SE ¼ NE ¼ NE ¼

W ½ SW ¼ SE ¼

30 _

144

W ½ SW ¼ SE ¼

acres

60__ acres

Unit 5, Exercise 5-1 Answers Map Scale

Ground Distance

Length of Line on Map

1. 1:100

330 ft.

__ 3.3”______

2. 1:400

2,640 ft.

_______6.6”______

3. 1:600

5,280 ft.

_______8.8”______

4. 1:660

5,280 ft.

_______8.0”______

5. 1:660

1,320 ft.

_______2.0”______

6. 1:200

675 ft.

_______3.4

Unit 5, Exercise 5-2 Answers 1.

Beginning at a point, thence N 80°E, 400’; thence S 30°E, 300’; thence S 80°W, 300’; thence N 46°W, 350’, to the point of beginning.

145

Unit 5, Exercise 5-2 Answers (continued) 2.

Beginning at a point, thence N 82°E, 450’; thence S 10°W, 200’; thence S 82°W, 250’; thence N 43°W, 230’ to the point of beginning.

3. Beginning at a point, thence S 77°E, 500’ to a point; thence S 40°W, 250’ to a point; thence N 65°W, 250’ to a point; thence N 29°W, 220’ to the point of beginning. ●

146

4. Beginning at a point, thence S 78°E, 425’ to a point; thence S 15° E, 100’ to a point; thence S 85°W 550’ to a point; thence N 25°E, 260’ to the point of beginning.

●

147

Unit 5, Exercise 5-2 Answers (continued) 5.

Beginning at a point, thence N 23°E, 175’ to a point; thence N 68°E, 350’ to a point; thence N 88°E, 150’ to a point; thence S 32°E, 250’ to a point; thence S 53°W, 150’ to a point; thence N 67°W, 150’ to a point; thence S 83°W, 420’ to the point of beginning.

N 88° E 150’

o

148

Unit 5, Exercise 5-3 Answer 1. A part of the Southwest Quarter of Section 12, and a part of the Southeast Quarter of Section 11, Township 11 South, Range 2 West of the 3rd P.M, more particularly described as follows, to wit: Beginning at the Northwest corner of the Southwest Quarter of Section 12, thence East 550 feet; thence South 75 feet; thence West 50 feet; thence South 125 feet; thence West 100 feet; thence South 25 feet; thence West 25 feet; thence North 50 feet; thence West 25 feet; thence South 75 feet; thence West 100 feet; thence South 50 feet; thence West 150 feet; thence North 50 feet; thence West 100 feet; thence North 175 feet; thence West 50 feet; thence North 50 feet; thence East 50 feet; thence North 25 feet; to the point of beginning EXCEPTING there from the following parcel of land: Commencing at the Northwest corner of the Southwest Quarter of Section 12; thence East 200 feet to the point of beginning; thence South 50 feet; thence East 125 feet; thence North 50 feet; thence West 125 feet; containing .14 acres. The parcel herein conveyed containing 2.87 acres, more or less.

G - 50 x 75

= 3,750

H - 25 x 25

=

625

131,250 / 43,560 = 3.01 A

Exception - 125 x 50 = 6,250

W 100’

= .14 A

N 50’

S 50’

F

N50 ’

D

C

G

W 25’

W 100’

W 100’ H W 25’

W 50’ S 125’

F - 125 x 200 = 25,000

B

S 75’

= 4,375

W 50’

S 50’

E - 175 x 25

E

E 125’

N 50’

D - 250 x 100 = 25,000

A

E 200’

N 25’

C - 300 x 150 = 45,000

E 50’

N 175’

B - 250 x 100 = 25,000

E 550’ W 125’

S 25’

= 2,500 N 50’

A - 50 x 50

S 75’

Unit 5, Exercise 5-3 drawing

W 150’

2.87 A

149

Unit 5, Exercise 5-4 Answer All the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 20; also 30 acres off the North end of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 29, except 5 acres off the West end; and 10 acres off the South end of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of said Section 29, all in Township 15 North, Range 7 East of the Third Principal Meridian. EXCEPT that part of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 20 as described as follows: Beginning at the Southwest corner of the Southeast Quarter of said Section 20, thence North 247.5 feet along the West line of the Southeast Quarter of said Section 20; thence East 440 feet; thence South 247.5 feet to a point on the South line of the Southwest Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of said Section 20; thence West 440 feet along said South line to the point of beginning. FURTHER EXCEPTING that part of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of Section 29, described as follows: Beginning at the Southeast corner of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of said Section 29; thence West 495 feet along the South line of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of said Section 29; thence North 440 feet; thence East 495 feet to a point on the East line of the Northwest Quarter of the Northeast Quarter of said Section 29; thence South 440 feet along said East line to the point of beginning. Total acreage of this conveyed parcel being 67.5 acres, more or less.

150

Unit 5, Exercise 5-4 Answer Drawing Section 20 SW ¼ of SE ¼ 40 acres

247.5 ft. x 440 ft. 2.5 acres

N 30 acres NW ¼ NE ¼

495 ft. x 440 ft. 5 acres S 10 acres NW ¼ NE ¼ Section 29

151

Unit 5 Review Answer 1 and Drawing Beginning at the Northeast corner of Section 34, Township 12 South, Range 2 West, of the 3rd Principal Meridian, thence South 1,000 feet to a point, thence N 50° W 200 feet to a point, thence West 600 feet to a point, thence North 875 feet to a point, thence East 750 feet to the point of beginning. #1 EXCEPTING: Commencing at the Southwest corner of the above described parcel of land, thence East 200 feet to the point of beginning, thence North 150 feet to a point, thence West 100 feet to a point; thence North 200 feet to a point; thence East 175 feet to a point; thence South 350 feet to a point; thence West 75 feet to the point of beginning, containing 1.06 acres, more or less. #2 FURTHER EXCEPTING: Beginning at the Southwest corner of the original parcel; thence North 350 feet to a point; thence East 100 feet to a point; thence South 200 feet to a point; thence East 100 feet to a point; thence South 150 feet to a point; thence West 200 feet to the point of beginning, containing 1.15 acres, more or less. #3 FURTHER EXCEPTING: Beginning at the Southeast corner of the original parcel, thence North 50° W 200 feet to a point; thence West 50 feet to a point; thence North 175 feet to a point; thence East 200 feet to a point; thence South 300 feet to the point of beginning, containing 1.02 acres, more or less. #4 FURTHER EXCEPTING: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the original parcel; thence South 525 feet to the point of beginning; thence South 175 feet to a point; thence West 200 feet to a point; thence South 175 feet to a point; thence West 275 feet to a point; thence North 350 feet to a point; thence East 475 feet to the point of beginning, containing 3.01 acres, more or less. #5 FURTHER EXCEPTING: Beginning at the Northwest corner of the original parcel, thence East 300 feet to a point, thence South 300 feet to a point, thence S 53° W 375 feet to a point, thence North 525 feet to the point of beginning, containing 2.84 acres, more or less. #6 FURTHER EXCEPTING: Commencing at the Northwest corner of the original parcel, thence East 300 feet to the point of beginning, thence East 450 feet to a point, thence South 300 feet, thence West 450 feet, thence North 300 feet to the point of beginning, containing 3.09 acres more or less. Drawing on following page.

152

Unit 5, Review Answer 1 Drawing

153

Unit 5 Review Answer 2 and Drawing Beginning at the Northwest corner of the Southwest Quarter of Section 12, Township 8 North, Range 3 West of the Third Principal Meridian, thence East 2 Furlongs, thence South 6 rods, thence East 2 chains, 1 rod, thence South 26 degrees East 990 feet, thence West 2 furlongs, 34 rods, thence North 1000 feet to the point of beginning, containing 37.64 acres, more or less. Drawing is on the following page.

154

Unit 5, Review Answer 2 Drawing

1881’–1468.5’ = 412.5’ 901’ x 412.5’ = 371,662.5 / 2 = 185,831.25 sq. ft.

1000‘– 99‘= 901‘ 1320’ + 148.5’ = 1468.5’ 901’ x 1468.5 ‘= 1,323,118.5 SF

130,680 1,323,118.50 185,831.25 1,639,629.75 / 43,560 = 37.64 A

155

Unit 5, Review Answer 3 and Drawing The Harper Parcel Beginning at the SW corner of the SE ¼ of the NE ¼ of Section 27, Township 12 South, Range 2 West of the 3rd PM, thence N 275 feet to a white pine tree, thence East 38 feet to a stone, thence South 50 feet to a fence post at the corner of the Brown farm, thence E 200 feet to a maple tree 2 inches in diameter, thence S 28º E 250 feet to a Wahoo, thence W 350 feet to the point of beginning, containing 1.56__ acres, more or less.

38 x 50 = 1900

238 x 225 = 53,550

1,900 53,550 12,600 68,050 / 43,560 = 1.56 AC

156

WAHOO!!! 225 x 112 =25,200 /2 =12,600

Unit 6, Exercise 6-1 Answer and Drawing Transaction "A": Legal Description: Section 26, Twp. 4S, Range 3W, 3rd PM (640 acres) (A)

01-26 - 100 - 001 – 0021

(Heart Tract)

Transaction "B": Legal Description: The SW ¼ of Section 26, Twp. 4S, Range 3W, 3rd PM (160 acres) 01 - 26 - 100 - 002 – 0021 (B)

01 - 26 - 300 - 001 – 0021

(Heart Tract) (Johnson Tract)

Transaction "C": Legal Description: The NE ¼ of the NE ¼ of Section 26, Twp. 4S, Range 3W, 3rd PM (40 acres) 01 - 26 - 100 - 003 – 0021 (Heart Tract) (C)

01 - 26 - 200 - 001 – 0021 (Freeman Tract)

Transaction "D": Legal Description: The NW ¼ of the NW ¼ of Section 26, Twp. 4S, Range 3W, 3rd PM (40 acres) 01 - 26 - 100 - 004 – 0021 (Heart Tract) (D)

01 - 26 - 100 - 005 - 0021

(Carter Tract)

Transaction "E": Legal Description: The SW ¼ of the NW ¼ of Section 26, Twp. 4S Range 3W, 3rd PM (40 Acres) 01 - 26 - 100 - 006 – 0021 (Heart Tract) (E)

01 - 26 - 100 - 007 – 0021 (Jones Tract)

157

Transaction "F": Legal Description: The NE ¼ of the NW 1/4 and the SE ¼ of the NW ¼ of Section 26, Twp. 4S, Range 3W, 3rd PM (80 acres) 01 - 26 - 200 - 002 – 0021 (Heart Tract) (F)

01 - 26 - 100 - 008 – 0021 (Weber Tract)

D F E

B

158

C

Unit 6, Exercise 6-2 Answer and Drawing Real Estate: Transaction "A" Legal Description: The Northeast Quarter; and the Northwest Quarter; and the Southeast Quarter; and the Southwest Quarter. Being all of Section 36, Township 12 South, Range 1 East of the Third Principal Meridian. Containing 640 acres, more or less. PIN:

07 - 36 - 100 - 001 – 0011 (Freeman Tract)

Real Estate: Transaction "B" Legal Description: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 36, Township 12 South, Range 1 East of the Third Principal Meridian, thence South 165 feet to the south side of County Highway 12; thence East 1,220 feet along the south side of County Highway 12 to the point of beginning thence South 561 feet to a point; thence East 462 feet to a point; thence North 561 feet to a point; thence West 462 feet along the south side of County Highway 12 to the point of beginning. Containing 5.95 acres, more or less. PIN:

07 - 36 - 100 - 002 – 0011 (Freeman Tract)

PIN:

07 - 36 - 100 - 003 – 0011 (Heart Tract)

Real Estate: Transaction "C" Legal Description: Commencing at the Southeast corner of Section 36, Township 12 South, Range 1 East of the Third Principal Meridian, thence North 132 feet to a point; thence West 1254 feet down the centerline of County Highway 14 to the point of beginning. Thence North 660 feet to a point; thence West 1375 feet to a point, thence South 660 feet to a point; thence East 1375 feet to the point of beginning. Containing 20.83 acres, more or less. PIN:

07 - 36 - 100 - 004 – 0011 (Freeman Tract)

PIN:

07 - 36 - 400 - 001 – 0011 (Johnson Tract)

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Real Estate: Transaction "D" Legal Description: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 36, Township 12 South, Range 1 East of the Third Principal Meridian, thence South 165 feet to the point of beginning on the south side of County Highway 12. Thence South 1254 feet to a point; thence East 1320 feet to a point; thence North 198 feet to a point; thence East 330 feet to a point; thence North 495 feet to a point; thence West 330 feet to a point; thence North 561 feet to a point: thence West 1,320 feet along the south side of County Highway 12 to the point of beginning. Containing 341.75 acres, more or less. PIN:

07 - 36 - 100 - 005 – 0011 (Freeman Tract)

PIN:

07 - 36 - 100 - 006 – 0021 (Kirby Tract) 571.47 acres left

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Exercise 6-2

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Unit 6 Review Answer Real Estate Transaction "A" containing 640 acres, more or less. PIN:

08-36-100-001-0021 (Joseph tract)

Real Estate Transaction "B" Containing 80 acres, more or less PIN :

08-36-100-002-0021 (Joseph tract)

PIN:

08-36-100-003-0021 (Harris tract)

Real Estate Transaction "C" Containing 160 acres, more or less. PIN :

08-36-100-004-0021 (Joseph tract)

PIN:

08-36-300-001-0021 (Davis tract)

Real Estate Transaction "D" Containing 80 acres, more or less. PIN :

08-36-200-001-0021 (Joseph tract)

PIN:

08-36-100-005-0021 (Charles tract)

Real Estate Transaction "E" Containing 10 acres, more or less. PIN :

08-36-200-002-0021 (Joseph tract)

PIN:

08-36-400-001-0021 (Hardy tract)

How many acres does Joseph own now?

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310 acres.

Unit 6, Review Answer and Drawing

Transaction A = Entire Section Joseph Tract 640 acres

D

B Remaining

A

C

E

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Unit 7 Review Answers 1. Define GIS. Geographic Information System – A system developed for spatial analysis needs such as planning natural resources and land records management. 2. What are some of the benefits of GIS for assessors? Show bodies of water, soil types, geologic structures, land use, zoning, political boundaries, utilities, sewers, topography, property lines, and others. 3. Define GIS Vector data. Basic points, lines, and polygons that make up features of a map.

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